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Friendships are essential for a happier, healthier life. What do you do when there's conflict?

There’s no shortage of advice out there on finding the One — but let’s not forget about the other loves of our lives: our friends. Close friendships are essential for a happier, healthier life. Staying connected with your pals isn’t just good for your mental health; it also helps you ward off depression, boost your physical health and even help you live longer.

And friendship isn’t just about having fun together: Friends offer support, shared experiences and a sounding board when we need to unpack life’s challenges. They hype us up, dry our tears and remind us that our ex never deserved us in the first place.

Yet while our friends may help us through life’s problems, we can struggle to navigate challenges in our friendships too. Maybe you’re anxiously awaiting that “Will you be my bridesmaid?” text, only for it to never arrive. Or you’re dreading telling your most sensitive friend you can’t make their birthday drinks because you’re sure they’ll take it personally. Or, perhaps, you’re getting tired of your friend treating you like their therapist — and you’re seriously considering billing them after your next “session.”

If you’ve ever felt less than awesome about your friendships, the good news is that you’re not alone — and there are answers out there. Yahoo Life spoke to friendship experts for some of the most frequently asked questions about our pals.

Meet the experts

Molly Burrets, clinical psychologist specializing in couples therapy and women's mental health
Caitlin Begg, a Harvard-trained sociological researcher who focuses on relationships and technology
Morgan Cope, assistant professor of psychology at Centre College

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Have a specific problem? Click on the topic below to jump in.

👰‍♀️ Weddings and milestone moments

How do I tell a friend I don’t want to be in their wedding party?

What should I do if a friend I thought I was close to doesn’t invite me to their major life event?

How do I tell someone who expects to be in my bridal party that they aren’t?

How close do I need to be to someone to invite them to my wedding?

When is it OK to skip a friend’s birthday party?

👥 Making new friends … and breaking up with them

What’s the best way to make friends as a busy parent?

When is it time to say goodbye to a friendship?

How can you politely indicate you’re not interested in continuing a friendship?

Should you ever ghost a friend, or is it best to always have honest conversations about your issues?

😤 Conflict and expectations in friendship

How do I deal with a clingy friend?

How do I maintain boundaries when a friend is overly dependent on me?

How do I know when to be honest and bring up a conflict with a friend — and when I should just let it go?

What do I do if my friend is treating me like their therapist and always venting to me?

How do I cope with a friend who is too critical?

What do I do if I learn a friend is talking behind my back?

When is it OK to tell a little white lie to a friend — like, say, when they ask whether I like their outfit?

💸 Financial drama

How do I deal when a friend never pays me back?

How do I say ‘no’ to lending a friend a personal item?

What's the best way to handle being on a different financial level than my friends, especially when it comes to taking trips or sharing social experiences?