How to distance myself from a friend without feeling guilty?

[heartyhope]

My so called “best friend” of 14 years completely ignored my 30th birthday, didn’t congratulate me when I told her I was pregnant (she doesn’t have fertility issues) and thinking back she’s been a shit friend on a number of occasions and I’ve always just let it slide.

2 months after my birthday she’s hounding me with messages and calls that she wants to meet to give me my ‘birthday’ presents. I keep making excuses as I really don’t want her in my life anymore and feel really hurt by her. Now I’m the one who feels guilty for not wanting her in my life when I’ve been nothing but I good friend to her.

How do I distance myself from her without feeling guilty?

Sometimes I think that we have to remain friends just because we've been friends for so many years but we absolutely don't!

In all honesty, I would just gradually distance myself, it sounds like she's a jealous person and I have a friend very similar- never congratulated me on anything, but expects to call me when she needs me!

Lockdown is the perfect time, just say you don't fell comfortable going out at the moment, then forget to respond to texts etc.
I would say just be honest and tell her the truth, but I'm guessing she's the kind of 'friend' that would be oblivious to it all!

I got rid of a toxic friend but it's hard work, especially if they're like mine, she enjoyed having me around to make herself feel better by putting me down all the time.
It's hard and it took a lot to shake her off, and so many times I wanted to call her or text her but I had to stay strong.
I found just not replying to texts, ignoring the calls and avoiding places she will be helped and the weeks passed by and the it was almost too long to get in touch.
Also what helped was I got in my head that I wish her well but we cant be friends.
It's kind of like a mantra that you're doing it for your own sanity and you don't need toxic people in life.
The more horrible, bitchy things I thought about her the worst the de-friending got. As soon as let go of the toxic thoughts then the urge to call her went.
Do it for yourself and wish her well in your head but just not contact her.