Friendships are essential for a happier, healthier life. What do you do when there's conflict?
And friendship isn't just about having fun together: Friends offer support, shared experiences and a sounding board when we need to unpack life's challenges. They hype us up, dry our tears and remind us that our ex never deserved us in the first place.
Yet while our friends may help us through life's problems, we can struggle to navigate challenges in our friendships too. Maybe you're anxiously awaiting that 'Will you be my bridesmaid?' text, only for it to never arrive. Or you're dreading telling your most sensitive friend you can't make their birthday drinks because you're sure they'll take it personally. Or, perhaps, you're getting tired of your friend treating you like their therapist — and you're seriously considering billing them after your next 'session.'
If you've ever felt less than awesome about your friendships, the good news is that you're not alone — and there are answers out there. Yahoo Life spoke to friendship experts for some of the most frequently asked questions about our pals.
Alexandra Hayes Robinson, writer and host of the advice podcast Hello Hayes
Molly Burrets, clinical psychologist specializing in couples therapy and women's mental health
Danielle Bayard Jackson, friendship expert and host of the Friend Forward podcast
Tori Dunlap, financial expert and author of Financial Feminist
Marisa Franco, psychologist and friendship expert
Caitlin Begg, a Harvard-trained sociological researcher who focuses on relationships and technology
Morgan Cope, assistant professor of psychology at Centre College
Jessica Speer, author of BFF or NRF (Not Really Friends)?
Alex Alexander, host of the Friendship IRL podcast
Have a specific problem? Click on the topic below to jump in.
👰♀️ Weddings and milestone moments
👥 Making new friends … and breaking up with them
😤 Conflict and expectations in friendship
💸 Financial drama
🤖 Technology and friendship
🫠 Tricky dynamics
How do I tell a friend I don't want to be in their wedding party?
What should I do if a friend I thought I was close to doesn't invite me to their major life event?
How do I tell someone who expects to be in my bridal party that they aren't?
How close do I need to be to someone to invite them to my wedding?
When is it OK to skip a friend's birthday party?
What's the best way to make friends as a busy parent?
When is it time to say goodbye to a friendship?
How can you politely indicate you're not interested in continuing a friendship?
Should you ever ghost a friend, or is it best to always have honest conversations about your issues?
How do I deal with a clingy friend?
How do I maintain boundaries when a friend is overly dependent on me?
How do I know when to be honest and bring up a conflict with a friend — and when I should just let it go?
What do I do if my friend is treating me like their therapist and always venting to me?
How do I cope with a friend who is too critical?
What do I do if I learn a friend is talking behind my back?
When is it OK to tell a little white lie to a friend — like, say, when they ask whether I like their outfit?
How do I deal when a friend never pays me back?
How do I say 'no' to lending a friend a personal item?
What's the best way to handle being on a different financial level than my friends, especially when it comes to taking trips or sharing social experiences?
Can I actually be friends with a chatbot?
Can you maintain a real friendship exclusively through technology, such as email or text?
If a friend expects to be in constant contact with me over text, how do I handle setting boundaries?
Can I say something if I don't like my friend's romantic partner?
Can I ask a friend to hang out solo if I met them through another friend?
How do I handle feeling like a third wheel in a friendship?
When can I stay friends with my friend's ex?
These responses have been edited for clarity and length.
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