Auntie Betty: How do I avoid friend’s negative attitude?
Dear Auntie Betty, My friend has a very bad attitude. She is always disrespecting others, changing boyfriends and so on.
I want to get away from her but we have been friends for a long time and do not know how to cut off the friendship. I also do not want to get influenced by her negative attitude. What should I do?
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Serwaa,
Kumasi.
Dear Serwaa, Since you have been friends for a long time it is only right that you find an appropriate time and talk to your friend about her attitude which you are worried about.
Be frank with her and let her know the consequences of her actions and the fact that you will distance yourself if she does not change.
There is a saying – show me your friend and I’ll show you your character – this means your friend(s) is a reflection of who you are. So once your friend has a bad attitude, it is likely people will tag you with the same or she may influence your actions. So you have to do your best to help your friend change her attitude. Being disrespectful and changing boyfriends is certainly not the way to go.
Although you did not state your age, I believe you are in your teens. It is normal to get attracted to the opposite sex. But let your friend know that should not lead to a boy-girl relationship. The consequences of engaging in a boy-girl relationship now can be dire. She has to pull the brakes on changing boyfriends and let her education be priority.
You have to be patient with her since it will take time for her to ‘reform’. But if there is no improvement, then refer her to your school counsellor or threaten you will tell her mum about her behaviour.
If all these does not work then you’ll have to advise yourself and put a bit of distance between the two of you. I am not saying you should be at loggerheads with her but you have to be careful about how close you get to her.
Continue to encourage her to change and I believe she will listen to you.
All the best.
