Why do I stay with people that hamper my growth as a person?

Question

Have you ever had people in your life who you've known for a long time, but sooner or later you realize your differences and yet you can't just stop being their friend? I do that, and it's like when I realize what bugs me about them, I put it aside because I'd rather be in an unhappy friendship than ruffle any feathers. How do I get over that? Or rather how do I deal with it better?

Answer 1

I have the same problem. Many people around me are negative influences on me as a person. I'm trying to turn my life around and change myself as a person, but these people are a reminder of my past and just bring me down. But I love these people and don't want to see them leave. Some of these people are my family members, which makes it worse. I really don't like hurting people but I need to get on with my life. It's very difficult to let people go, so you should do it slowly over time. Don't call as much and just slowly let the relationship go. That's what I've done before and some of the negative influences have gone.

EDIT:

My ex and I are the same way. I met him in 2006 and we've had a rocky on and off relationship ever since. He's very mean to me, losing his temper, cursing me out, calling me names and saying how ****** up my life will be when I do something he doesn't agree with. He'd call back and apologize and we'd let it go. Whenever I'd meet him at his house or mine, sometimes he wouldn't show up. One time I walked almost an hour from the train to his apartment [no money for the bus] and waited for him, to have him never show up. I cried so many times over him and I feel stupid for it because he wasn't worth it. You don't need people like that in your life. You deserve people who'll treat you right. You should cut him off since he's just barely a friend....don't call and try to avoid him. If he asks why you do this, tell him that people like him don't deserve people like you in their lives and until he grows up, he can't have you in his life.

Answer 2

YES..erm well i don't have friends now coz i thought people were messing me around...but some people who try to insult me i don't really take seriously..coz i'm not being horrible but they were fairly stupid and childish..and it was funny to watch their insecurity and see reaction to stuff..

anyway sometimes one of my parents is like that...i don't reallly know what to do since i have to live with it