To cut off childhood friend

[FredandFloReadyToGo]

BFF and I have been friends since primary school. We became close and have children who are similar ages. We do however live just over an hour from each other so it isn't easy to pop in on each other.

We used to talk all the time, but recently she's been going through a bad time she says I can't help her with, and now she's ghosting me. Do I pursue this? Texts remain unanswered. I have tried for nearly a month.

I'm worried about her, but it has really upset me. We have no other mutual friends I could ask.

If she doesn't want your help or company spend time with those who do. Life is too short to chase friends.

You don't have to 'cut her off'.

Just leave things as they are and if/when she's ready she'll probably get in touch.

If she's going through a hard time and this isn't typical behaviour from her I'd give her some space and try to be understanding.

If she's ghosting you, let her. Don't tell her what you really think.
Sometimes you can feel so angry with somebody, but then, ten years later they turn up again. On the same road, or married to a friend's brother or something.
Don't berate her for backing off without an explanation. Maybe there is one but it's difficult to say it. Or she doesn't want to have that conversation.
I have ''cut somebody off''. I felt drained and frustrated. I never hated her iyswim.

Just leave her be. She must be going through it. If you want, you could be there for her when/if she's ready to open up again. Just don't poke the bear if she comes back, she might snap then boom, no more friendship 😬

I would message saying you respect her need for space and you’re there when she needs you. Then let it go.

Please bear with her. If she's going through something she might just want to shut her self away from the world.

I had really bad depression a while back and my phone would beep and it would be a message from a good friend (friends for 46 years) but I physically/mentally couldn't bring myself to respond in that moment I'd intend to do it later and then never reply.

Luckily my friend knew I was unwell, but not how unwell and yet she kept plugging on texting me every so often never getting a reply until finally I came out of my fog and was able to reply.

I admire her fortitude mind as that depressive episode lasted about a year (I did send her birthday and Christmas presents though so she knew I was still around). She finally sent me a text demanding proof of life or she was phoning the police!

This. My best friend let me know she was there, sent occasional messages but respected I was going through a bad time and wouldn’t be replying till I felt able. She did this for a year. I really appreciated it, and it brought us closer.