Do I tell my friend she needs to try harder or let this friendship go?
Hi :) I know the title sounds kinda harsh but let me explain.
So I have this friend, we are pretty close in age and we've known each other since we were babies. We were close when we were younger and are really similar. One thing we have in common is bad anxiety. I have diagnosed OCD and at times it's really severe. I have a tendency to withdraw when things get really bad because I'm so exhausted from being anxious all the time. So when she started to withdraw years ago, I did too and didn't even realize I was doing it. But now I'm at a point in my life where I want friends and social connection. I'm sick of being alone.
She texted me weeks ago with an apology, saying that she's sorry for not taking to me and that she misses our friendship. I didn't let my expectations get too high but I was so happy to hear that she felt the same way. We texted for a while and it felt like I had my friend back, but then her responses slowed down and she stopped reaching out again. I always had to initiate, and I'm kinda tired of not feeling wanted. Now she's back to not speaking to me. If I were to send a message, maybe I would get a reply, but if I didn't initiate it, it won't happen.
I am in no way pinning all the blame on her, she's going through a hard time and I totally understand that. But I also am, and I miss my friend, and she doesn't seem to want to put in the work to fix this. Her words and actions say two different things. I had a mom to kick my butt and tell me to get up and fix my problems until I could do it on my own. Now I see things so simply - problem? How can we solve it? Do that. See what happens. But people are different and have different life circumstances, and it's not fair for me to expect her to do the same thing I am because we're two completely different human beings.
So what do I do? Give her more space and let time work and see what happens? Tell her all of this even though I'm worried it'll hurt her feelings and her mental health is fragile right now? Or do I just look for other friends? I do horseback riding and want to start painting, drums, archery, and kayaking, but do those hobbies involve other people? My riding is kinda in and out, everybody is there for the horses and then wants to go to bed lol.
Any advice is appreciated!!
Posted Jul 26, 2026, 7:40 PM UTC