When to break up- with your friends

Courtesy of MTV

This matter seems to be shoved under the rug when compared to romantic relationships, but breakups between friends are just as prevalent, if not more dramatic (especially if they involve girls).

Just as you know what to look for in a boyfriend/girlfriend, keep those qualities in mind when it comes to friends. Loyalty is high on my list.
I need to know that my friend won't throw me under the bus for a better offer. The biggest deal breaker is someone who messes with people I care about. Picking on family members? Putting down my other friends? Not cool.

Also like a romantic relationship, you need to know when to walk away. Sometimes my friends hurt my feelings, but I know they would never do that intentionally. If I have a gross feeling that someone is trying to make me feel bad over and over again, I know that I can live without them. 

Breakups don't have to be the screaming matches you see on Laguna Beach or The Hills. You can gradually remove yourself from that group of people. Decline invitations. Maybe skip after work drinks together. If this person was your "bestie", consider sitting them down and telling them what's bothering you. If they throw a hissy fit and deny they were ever doing anything wrong (probably the reason you're leaving them) leave it at that. Good luck to you, pal.

A good example is Anna Goldfarb's story in this month's issue of Cosmopolitan. After her best friend graduated law school, she was starting to insult all the clothes, music and men they both used to gush over. After one particularly bad phone call, Anna decided it was time to move on.

Courtesy of Dom Savini Photography

I believe every individual has a choice who they surround themselves with. I don't believe in living passively and just tolerating people that "fell in your lap." Not only would you be hanging around with someone that treats you poorly, but other people would assume you have the same attitude by association.