Counsels on Relationships

Counsel #27 — Ending Toxic Ties

Picture: Counsel #27 — ENDING TOXIC TIES CR 45.1

Walking away from a toxic friendship is difficult but essential for protecting your emotional and mental health. Recognizing when a friendship is causing harm is the first step toward change. CR 45.2

Sometimes, you can find yourself in a toxic friendship with a childhood friend, making it that much harder to walk away due to the length of the relationship. Although cutting ties with a friend you’ve known for a while may be difficult, there may come a time when you have to prioritize yourself and your needs first. If you’re considering walking away from a toxic friendship, you might say something like, “I’ve realized this friendship isn’t healthy for me, and I need to put my emotional needs first now.” Communicating your decision respectfully helps minimize unnecessary conflict aside from the pain that’ll come from cutting the connection. Afterward, focus on healing and rebuilding your sense of self. Surround yourself with supportive and uplifting relationships and get closer to God by committing to a consistent devotional life. Although ending an unhealthy friendship will be painful, it’s a necessary step toward a more fulfilling life.^[169] CR 45.3

“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’” 1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV CR 45.4

“Better than all the friendship of the world is the friendship of Christ's redeemed.” Ellen White in Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 58 CR 45.5

Reflect: Do you have any current friendships that you need to cut? If so, why? CR 45.6