Featured in Women’s Health:15 Signs Your Friendship Is Seriously One-Sided

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Nov 24

AGP therapist, Colleen Woodward, shares some advice on knowing how to handle a one-sided friendship and communication tactics to use that can help rekindle the relationship.

It’s no easy thing to accept, so be kind to yourself in acknowledging that and feeling all of your emotions. “Humans long for connection and inclusivity more than we realize," says Colleen Woodward, LMSW, a psychotherapist at A Good Place Therapy & Consulting in New York City. "So when we finally open ourselves up to make those connections with people who become our friends, it can feel like a real letdown when the relationship becomes one-sided." This can also take a toll on your self-esteem, she adds.

At this point, communication is crucial. “It’s difficult to be vulnerable, but remember that your friend is not a mind-reader," Woodward says. In fact, "your friend may have no idea that you're feeling slighted and need more connection." Start here:

Ask yourself: Is my friend going through a temporary rough patch, or is this a long-term pattern? (It's okay to be busy at work or need to vent more than usual, but it shouldn't be your entire 'ship!)
Talk to your friend: Explain how you feel instead of pointing fingers
Establish next steps: What do you need from the relationship to move forward with it?
Be prepared to move on: If this conversation doesn’t lead to the kind of change you want—and deserve—take peace in walking away. “Remember that they may just not be able to give what you need, and that is okay,” Woodward says.