Me and this person have been friends since childhood (15 years). Recently, I feel myself outgrowing this friendship. I keep seeing their “flaws” and a lot of the things they do now annoys me. During the past few months, I feel a disconnect every time we hang out and I don’t resonate with how they think anymore.
Because of that, I’ve been slowly removing myself from plans with this person. Best case scenario was me continuously declining invitations and take my time responding to messages, that they would eventually get the hint.
But unfortunately, they have noticed my withdrawal to do things together and wants to get on a call to talk about it. I know their feelings are going to be hurt no matter how nice I am about it, but would love ideas on how to go about this. I am not a confrontational person by any means, so i am not sure how to say that I don’t really care to be around them in a gentler way.
TL;DR: How to break off a long-termed friendship without blaming the other person?