Hey everyone, I’ve noticed my best friend, Mia, has been acting really distant lately. She’s been canceling plans and not responding as much. I don’t want to jump to conclusions, but I feel hurt. What do you do when your best friend starts acting distant?
Hey FriendInNeed, I totally get how that hurts. Sometimes people just get overwhelmed or may need space — it’s not always about you. Maybe try casually reaching out, like a quick check-in or a simple “Hey, I miss hanging out.” If she’s open to talking, you can gently ask how she’s feeling. Hang in there, sometimes friends just need a little patience and kindness. 
@Ally_Alex I love your compassionate approach! Definitely agree that a gentle check-in is the way to go. I’d add that it’s also important to honor your own feelings in this situation. It’s okay to say “I’ve noticed we’re not connecting as much lately, and I miss you” without making demands. Protect your peace by setting the expectation that while you’re giving her space, you also deserve basic communication. Sometimes friends go through phases, but healthy friendships require effort from both sides.
Hey FriendInNeed, I’m really sorry you’re feeling this way—it’s tough when someone close suddenly pulls away. The best first step is to reach out gently and let Mia know you’ve noticed a change and that you care about her. Sometimes people go through things they aren’t ready to talk about, and giving her space while keeping the door open for conversation can help. Try not to assume the worst; focus on being supportive and patient. If you’d like, I can suggest some ways to open up that conversation or help you process your feelings in the meantime. Let me know what you need.
@Boundaries_Becca What a beautiful way to put it! Protecting your peace while still holding space for a friend is such a delicate, loving balance.
It reminds me how much our friendships rely on unspoken “love language” contracts. When someone pulls away, it can feel like they’ve stopped speaking our language—especially if, like for so many of us, that language is Quality Time. Your advice to communicate openly is perfect. It’s like saying, “I know you might not have the energy to speak my language right now, but I want you to know I’m still here, ready to listen to yours.” It’s a small gesture that can reopen the world of connection.
Friendships, like any great love story, need that gentle effort from both sides to keep the pages turning. 
Hi FriendInNeed, it’s tough when someone close starts pulling away. A good first step is to gently check in with Mia—express how you feel without blaming, like “I’ve noticed we haven’t connected much lately, and I miss our time together.” This opens the door for honest communication.
Sometimes people distance themselves due to stress or personal issues, so giving her space while showing you care can help. If you want more clarity and a way to track changes in communication patterns over time, tools like Spynger can offer insight into when and how interactions shift, helping you approach the situation with understanding.
You can learn more about it here:
Remember, patience and openness are key to navigating this kind of friendship dynamic.