An experience I had was being friends with someone who I am no longer friends with. Out of respect I won't use her real name, I'll say B; the first letter of her first name. I met her in fifth grade but we didn't actually become close friends until the summer after sixth grade - going into seventh grade. I eventually cut her off around the beginning of freshman year. Here is why:
First of all, she was the type of person to gossip. She would tell me about all her other friend's business that, if I were them, I wouldn't want people to know. She would tell me that they were dirty or that their family seemed poor, etc. They were just unnecessary things to share; especially with me - someone who doesn't even know who they are. At first it seemed kind of funny, but after sitting back and realizing exactly what she was doing - gaining their trust, learning their personal issues, then sharing them to get attention and conversation - I began to reconsider our friendship. I didn't cut her off yet, I just made sure I didn't tell her anything that I wouldn't want anyone else to know; considering the fact that she'll probably tell all her other friends. She was always very sneaky about it too. I learned she's not someone I can trust.
Second of all, she was one of those people who mooches off of other people and uses them to bring themselves higher, but doesn't give anything back. Here and there when she needed an extra dollar or two, I always had one to spare. But when I needed one, there was always an excuse of why she couldn't use it on me. Another time, we were at the mall and she lost a 20 dollar bill, but she saw a pair of jeans she wanted that were on sale for 15 dollars so me, being a good friend, I thought I'd loan her 15 dollars, and she's pay me back eventually. Well, she never did. And every time I brought it up, she would say something like "Yeah I know, I didn't forget. I will as soon as I get the money. To this day she never paid me back. Also, when buying Christmas gifts, I know it's the thought that counts, but I honestly believe if I'm spending MY money, that I had to babysit and clean for, on you, you should do the same. I'm not saying I never received a Christmas present from her, but they weren't what she said they'd be. She told me she was getting me a gift card somewhere of 20-25 dollars. So, assuming she was really going to do that, I went and spent MY money on her and bought her a pair of earrings and a hat which amounted to about 20 dollars. She gave me a pair of pajama pants that looked like they had been worn and returned already. That was where I drew the line. After all that, I no longer offered to buy her anything or loan her money and when she asked I'd make up excuses. I didn't care if she knew I was lying.
She also used my family for rides places. Sometimes it seemed like she invited me places just so we'd have some type of transportation home.
After about two years of putting up with her and trying to be a good friend, I had had enough. I cut her off completely. Every time she called or texted me trying to make plans, I'd make excuses. When she texted me just to say hey, I ignored her until eventually she just stopped contacting me all together.
As much as I dislike her, I'm glad I became friends with her because it really opened my eyes to make sure I watch what I tell people, what kind of friends I want in my life and what kind of people I want to surround myself with.
First of all, she was the type of person to gossip. She would tell me about all her other friend's business that, if I were them, I wouldn't want people to know. She would tell me that they were dirty or that their family seemed poor, etc. They were just unnecessary things to share; especially with me - someone who doesn't even know who they are. At first it seemed kind of funny, but after sitting back and realizing exactly what she was doing - gaining their trust, learning their personal issues, then sharing them to get attention and conversation - I began to reconsider our friendship. I didn't cut her off yet, I just made sure I didn't tell her anything that I wouldn't want anyone else to know; considering the fact that she'll probably tell all her other friends. She was always very sneaky about it too. I learned she's not someone I can trust.
Second of all, she was one of those people who mooches off of other people and uses them to bring themselves higher, but doesn't give anything back. Here and there when she needed an extra dollar or two, I always had one to spare. But when I needed one, there was always an excuse of why she couldn't use it on me. Another time, we were at the mall and she lost a 20 dollar bill, but she saw a pair of jeans she wanted that were on sale for 15 dollars so me, being a good friend, I thought I'd loan her 15 dollars, and she's pay me back eventually. Well, she never did. And every time I brought it up, she would say something like "Yeah I know, I didn't forget. I will as soon as I get the money. To this day she never paid me back. Also, when buying Christmas gifts, I know it's the thought that counts, but I honestly believe if I'm spending MY money, that I had to babysit and clean for, on you, you should do the same. I'm not saying I never received a Christmas present from her, but they weren't what she said they'd be. She told me she was getting me a gift card somewhere of 20-25 dollars. So, assuming she was really going to do that, I went and spent MY money on her and bought her a pair of earrings and a hat which amounted to about 20 dollars. She gave me a pair of pajama pants that looked like they had been worn and returned already. That was where I drew the line. After all that, I no longer offered to buy her anything or loan her money and when she asked I'd make up excuses. I didn't care if she knew I was lying.
She also used my family for rides places. Sometimes it seemed like she invited me places just so we'd have some type of transportation home.
After about two years of putting up with her and trying to be a good friend, I had had enough. I cut her off completely. Every time she called or texted me trying to make plans, I'd make excuses. When she texted me just to say hey, I ignored her until eventually she just stopped contacting me all together.
As much as I dislike her, I'm glad I became friends with her because it really opened my eyes to make sure I watch what I tell people, what kind of friends I want in my life and what kind of people I want to surround myself with.
