How Do I Get Rid of a Clingy Friend? (2024)

FAQs

How Do I Get Rid of a Clingy Friend? ›

Try to state your feelings and needs while being empathetic to your friend. Try to speak using “I” statements and explain how you feel rather than how you view your friend's clingy behavior. You might try saying something like “I really enjoy your company but I also need time to myself.

Prior to talking to the person, write down what you'd like to say to them. Avoid attacking them; politely tell them that the friendship is no longer working for you and you feel it's best to go your separate ways. Go over it once or twice to make sure you have a clear and concise explanation for why. Set boundaries.

Be direct and honest.

If none of your other approaches have been working, you need to tell your friend that you need some time to yourself. Don't attack her or her behavior, simply focus on the fact that you are uncomfortable and would like some space.

Toxic friends are obsessively needy

Neo said you might feel like you've gotten yourself an obsessive boyfriend or girlfriend without even asking for it. They'll call and text you at all times of the day, even if you said you're busy. "They want all your time, so it's a very codependent kind of friendship," she said.

Blocking someone out of the blue may not always be a good decision but obviously if you showed them before that they're being too much then block them. And if that doesn't work and they are still bothering you it's best to just block them. There's no point in being stuck in such friendship because all it does is harm.

Acting clingy tends to stem from attachment issues and past relationships that were emotionally dramatic. Clinginess is not as severe as codependency, but it can be a symptom of this unhealthy relationship style.

There's no “normal” amount to text your friends. A lot of people text their closest friends every day. You might text other friends a few times a month. It's really up to you.

How do you cut off a friend you have feelings for? ›

Spend time apart

You may also find it helpful to unfollow your crush on social media as well; social media platforms might algorithmically recommend them to you if you are in the same circle of friends, so you may need to temporarily block or mute them as well.

It's worth noting that excessive clinginess can drive partners away, too, especially when relationship behaviors shift abruptly between a strong need for closeness and a sharp rejection of it. Learn more about different attachment styles.

Tell him you don't feel about him the way he feels about you. Tell him No, thank you when he asks you out on a date. Be firm, be consistent. It does make it harder when the other person is a genuinely nice person, but you still have to do this if you don't want to keep being bugged.

If someone is being pushy, be just as resolute at saying no. Say, “I know you won't give up easily, but I am not going to change my mind.” Know that people ask you for favors or to do projects because they believe in you. Always say “thank you for thinking of me”, even when you politely decline.

Someone who's clingy needs a lot of attention or emotional support. Your clingy friend gets very upset when you hang out with your other pals and don't invite him. There are several ways to be clingy, including being emotionally demanding or possessive, like a clingy boyfriend.

For example, you might say, "I'm happy to help you out occasionally, but I can't always drop everything to meet your needs." Be honest: If you're feeling overwhelmed or stressed out by your friend's demands, it's important to be h.

Be direct about when and how you can be there for your friends. If your friend is needing more and more from you, and you're just not able to give as much as they're hoping, it's helpful to be upfront. Carve out the time that you can spend and how you can spend it.