Toxic Friends

These aren't our mothers' friendships, where women were hesitant to disclose unhappiness or weakness. Female friendships today are filled with expectations -- the sense that "we're all in it together."

I admit it: I have a friend that I'm afraid to totally ditch for fear she'll do something nasty to me. OK, now your turn: You have toxic friendships, I know you do. It's time to admit it--and figure out why.

Friendships change over time. A friendship that is 'stolen' may have long been gone. It may offer the poachee an opportunity to change or get rid of a friendship that was draining or toxic in other ways.

Yes, there are some cases when close friends need to cut a little slack. Could it be that your friendship feels burdensome and painful because your friend is depressed?

This Mother's Day, give yourself a little gift that no one else would ever think of. Jot down an appointment on your calendar to have lunch with a friend, or to have a girls night out.