#MentalHealthMonday - When Friends Stay Friends With Those Who Hurt You

Hi friends, and welcome to Mental Health Monday on The Meredith Patterson Podcast. Today's episode is about something that hits close to home for so many of us — what to do when people you thought were your friends stay close to those who have hurt you. This one's raw. It's not about being angry or bitter — it's about self-respect, healing, and boundaries.     We don't talk enough about this part of healing. When someone deeply hurts you — maybe emotionally, maybe publicly, maybe through betrayal — and then you see people you care about still hanging around that person… it stings. It's confusing, too. You start asking yourself: "Do they not believe me?" "Do they not care what I went through?" "Are they pretending it didn't happen?" The truth is, it's not your job to understand why someone chooses to stay connected to a person who hurt you. It's your job to decide what that means for your boundaries moving forward.     Let's be real — a true friend doesn't play both sides. A true friend doesn't make excuses for the person who caused you pain. A true friend says, "If you hurt her, you hurt me too." And if someone can still hang around the person who hurt you, that tells you something about their character — and it's okay to take that information and act on it. You're not being petty. You're being protective.     It's okay to outgrow people. It's okay to stop calling, stop explaining, and stop trying to make them understand your side. Because real healing happens when you stop trying to convince people of your worth and start surrounding yourself with those who already see it. Your circle should feel safe. Your friendships should feel mutual. And your peace should never be something you have to fight for.     So here's your permission slip: You can end friendships that feel unsafe. You can walk away without guilt. You can protect your heart and still wish people well from afar. Healing doesn't mean keeping everyone in your life. Healing means honoring yourself enough to know who deserves to be there.     If this resonated with you today, please share this episode with someone who might need to hear it. And remember: You deserve relationships that feel safe, genuine, and supportive. I'm Meredith Patterson — and this has been Mental Health Monday. Your bliss is your birthright. 💙