No matter how tolerant and easy-going you are there will always be someone who rubs you the wrong way. That person you're forced to see in class or at work every day but would rather distance yourself from. I never felt like I knew how to deal with situations like this and struggled for quite a while. I thought I was just being overly judgemental when I met someone I didn't particularly like, but I recently had a revelation that changed everything.
Not everyone is meant for you.
When I realized this, an overwhelming feeling of peace come over me. "This person does not have to be a part of my life," I told myself. "I decide if I'm going to allow someone to control how I feel."
Although this may seem like common sense to many of you, I tend to blame myself when I don't hit it off with someone immediately. My closest friends and I clicked almost instantly upon meeting and the rest is history.
During the past year, I met someone who I thought would be a good friend at first, but would often make offensive comments. This behavior continued as they would say things that didn't sit well with me and give me backhanded compliments. Their competitive nature and tendency to do things solely for social media was the last straw.
I knew I needed to make a change because this person was only bringing negativity and ingenuity into my life.
Sometimes you just have to trust your gut when it comes to fake people so they don't become fake friends.
Although it was difficult and I felt that I was coming off as cold, I decided that as long as I was cordial, I wouldn't speak to them outside of when we had to see each other.
Since I decided to distance myself from this person I noticed a change in my demeanor. I was no longer annoyed or bothered by ignorant comments. The distance I created between us allowed me to remember what kind of people I want in my life and the kind of people I don't. This was someone I wasn't willing to be close with and realizing that I didn't have to beat myself up for it was a big step.
Reminding myself that not everyone is meant to be a part of my life helped me to reevaluate my friendships with a clear head. I am allowed to be picky because I know what I have to offer as a friend.
Although it can be difficult to distance yourself from someone especially if they have been a part of your life for an extended amount of time, I encourage you to take baby steps towards letting this person go.
Even if you're not completely "cutting them off" maybe some distance will help the situation and give you the peace you deserve to have within yourself.
