5 Signs You’re Heading for a Friend Divorce

We’ve all had them: friendships that seem like a lot more work than necessary. Experts see the same issues come up again and again. But problems don’t have to spell the demise of your relationship. Here are five situations that could end a friendship, and how to save it instead.

That old theory about the third wheel simply isn’t true, experts say. In fact, a trio can be more stable and less likely to have blowouts than two besties. “Each person should have similar interests with the others,” says Jill Squyres, Ph.D. (E.g., Lori and Jane love baking while Gina and Jane do yoga together, and Lori and Gina root for the Rangers.)

RELATED: How to Fix a Broken Friendship—and When Not To

Protect yourself, say the shrinks. “Hide her from your Facebook feed if you don’t want to see her ultrasound,” says Andrea Bonior, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist and author of The Friendship Fix. “You can say, ‘I’m happy for you, but because of where I am, it’s hard to talk about this stuff.” If she has any heart, she’ll understand.

This personality trait can feel pretty invalidating, says Bonior. Do her other habits make up for it, or is she really putting you last? “Some people are just always late,” she says. So you’ll have to accept it. One warning: “Never make major plans or travel with them,” says Squyres.

RELATED: What 8 Women Learned From Breaking Up With Their BFFs

All of your cronies don’t have to get along.” If you want to create a big new happy family group, maybe that’s not meant to be,” says Bonior. “This new friend may be someone you have a relationship with on the side.”

“The friendship can get in the way of the personal relationship,” says Bonior. “Be aware of how your work impacts your bond. If you’re calling in sick and going skiing, that puts her in an awkward situation, especially if she’s a supervisor,” says Squyres. Set boundaries, and never try to take advantage of your insider influence.

RELATED: How Friendship Changes in Your 20s, 30s, and 40s

For more friendship tips, pick up the July/August issue of Women’s Health, on newsstands now.