She is almost 13 in year 8. She's quite quirky and whilst she has friends she's always struggled a bit to really connect. She's had a lot of churn/been in the edge of the group etc. she also suffers from anxiety and is a huge over thinker.
Since last year she has been friends with another girl. It's been quite up and down but basically this is her 'best friend'. This girl is really full on. She's loud and intense and dominating but also quite kind and protective.
Dd told me today that she's really gone off this girl and finds her too much. She wants to drop the friendship. She also said this girl keeps trying to hold her hand and it makes her really uncomfortable.
We have agreed that next time she tries to hold her hand dd will say kindly but firmly that she wants her to stop. But she is at a loss about how to tell this girl she doesn't e want to be mates. Dds other friends have drifted away and/or this girl excludes them. So dd doesn't really have a plan b, it's this girl or no one so as well as upsetting this girl she'll be isolating herself.
Dd is going to try a lunchtime club tomorrow and we are going to be 'busy' over half term. She also has emergency back up in the shape of her twin and her friends.
How best to handle. Poor old dd. She really needs to find her tribe but it's proving tough.