Ive actually been in this situation three times. Slow learner, I suppose.

In middle school, I just got up with my lunch tray and switched tables. Never spoke to them again as a “friend.” Never responded when any of them asked me why.

Second time, in my late teens, I just moved. Last minute, announced I was moving cross country, and left. It was sort of oddly interesting to watch them scramble in real time to rearrange the ranks and figure out who would be the new butt of the joke. And since none of them would take on that role for an extended period of time, there was a lot of in-fighting, and the group kind of split, and although they’re still friendly, it’s not like it used to be.

As an adult, I took it for a long time, and then I had my kids, and something changed. I finally bit back. It did not go over well. She completely blew her top. Went off the rails. We have not spoken since, and I don’t care. I have made other friends since, and although I was lonely for a period of time, I will never allow anyone to treat me in that manner again.