Do not keep on with a mockery of friendship after the substance is gone - but part, while you can part friends. Bury the carcass of friendship: it is not worth embalming.

Some friendships end long before anyone says so, and what continues afterward is mostly habit and politeness. Keeping that going does nothing for what the friendship was; it slowly replaces the memory of something real with the memory of something strained. There is a kinder ending available while there is still warmth left to end on. Letting go early protects the part worth keeping.

If a name in your contacts brings a small dread rather than any gladness, sit with that rather than scheduling another obligatory coffee. You do not need a confrontation or a verdict. Fewer invitations, answered honestly and without coldness, is usually the whole of it.