One of the best ways to make new friends is through a mutual friend. You're both friends with the same person, so you're pretty likely to have stuff in common, right?
However, I've also noticed that these mutual friend connections also have the potential to create what I call "human leeches." Human leeches are the type of people that are not necessarily malevolent, but annoying enough that they have a hard time making and keeping friends. This makes them lonely, so they tend to latch on to any human in the vicinity. Drunkenly chat with a friend of a friend at a party and before you know it, they're calling you their bestie...even though you've never even texted each other. This tends to be exacerbated when you meet through a mutual friend. If this was just a coworker, you could probably brush them off eventually. But when you're friends with the same person, you often end up at the same events, thus deepening their perception of the friend bond. Unless you never want to see your mutual friend again, you're going to forevermore see this person at every party, bbq, wedding, and so on...for all time. So how to remove these lecherous hangers-on? You have a few options: 1. The Straight-Up Bitch: Next time this person tries to insinuate that you're friends, give them the hard truth: "I hate to break it to you, but you and me aren't friends, and we aren't ever going to be. See you at next week's bbq!" As tempting as this is, I wouldn't recommend it if you want to keep the mutual friend. Most people find this approach creates a slight awkwardness in future get togethers. 2.The Mother Theresa: Feel bad for this person due to their friendlessness and go along with it. Secretly hate every minute you spend with them while smiling as they ask you to be their bridesmaid. 3. The Subtle: My favourite method. Be civil when you're at the same event, but turn down any offers they make to hang out. If you absolutely have to (i.e. they've invited you to three events already and you feel rude turning down a forth), make sure to keep it to a minimum. Make a one hour appearance and hit the road. Keep that leech on a leash, if you will.
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May 2019
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