Advice Request

This person's old friends don't like their new friends.

Answered Submission

Hey there!

That sounds like you’re going through a stressful period in your friendship. I hope you realize that in the midst of all of this, you’re supposed to prioritize only you and your feelings and your loved one’s feelings.

It’s normal to not like people without a reason; sometimes people just don’t fit well together. So, if your old friends say they don’t like your new friends, it’s understandable. Find different times to hang out with both groups. Don’t try to force them to like each other. However, this isn’t the only issue here. It sounds like your old friends aren’t treating you well.

Not being invited to a party by Charlotte or Ansley (especially during a birthday party) sounds very upsetting, especially since you’re good friends with both of them, and you should be one of the first people they should invite. I would suggest talking to them and getting their sides of the story first. Perhaps they had a reason for this. The only way to solve all your conflicts right now is through some space and conversation. Have a conversation with your old friends, tell them you won’t force them to like your new friends, but your old friends can’t speak badly about your new friends because they’re people you care for. If the conversation doesn’t work out well, or if you think you’re in danger of being inflicted violence upon by Audrey S, then you should definitely contact your student counselor and see what they suggest.

I hope it doesn’t happen but if Audrey S does hit you, I highly suggest you break off the friendship and immediately report this action to school authorities and to your parents.

For now, I would suggest giving them space and time to think after you have a conversation with them. If they can’t seem to understand your position, they’re truly not the best people to be friends with.

I hope this helps. Good luck!

Thank you,

The Advice Column Team