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Knowing when it is time to end a friendship can be one of the most difficult decisions to make and acting it out can be even more stressful. There is so much to consider when making these decisions and it needs to be done in a calm and objective manor. When you reach a state capable of this, ask yourself these questions:

Have you talked out your problems with this friend?

You may want to sit down with your friend and let them know how you are feeling. If they have hurt you or you two have had an argument sit him/ her down and see if you can't hash it out, maybe you can come to some agreement and fix the problem. If it is not this simple, consider if there is any way to work on your friendship.

Have either or both of you overreacted? Who is in the wrong?
Consider the possibility that you and/ or they have overreacted. Could you possibly be wrong? It is easy to get hotheaded and become irrational, so try and objectively look at the situation from your side and then your friends.

Is your friendship fixable?
Although the questions above may work for many situations, it is not always this easy. If the hurt is too great, if you have been burned by the same person too often, you have become different people with conflicting views and morals, or other things of this nature; the above may not apply.

Sometimes there is no choice but to end a friendship and go separate ways. When doing so be honest and try to keep a calm demeanor, this will show them you have thought it out and are serious. Try not to fly off the handle or lose your temper. Treat the other person with respect and although it may be difficult with varying circumstances, you don't want to say something you might regret later. Find a good place to talk if you are meeting in person, without causing a scene. If you are doing it over the phone make sure you have a real chance to talk and are in a secluded space, you don't want to make others feel uncomfortable. Emails are also an acceptable form of communication, depending on how painful or difficult the circumstances are. When using email be clear and concise, say what you need to and don't drag on with things that are not important.
Finally keep in mind while ending the friendship to avoid name- calling, swearing, and yelling. Don't bring things up that don't matter anymore and try not to hit below the belt. This will show that you have class and you are just doing what you feel is right for yourself.

Learn more about this author, Megan Hendrix.
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