AITA for cutting contact with my bestfriend of 9 years because she badmouthed me behind my back?
I’m part of a close group of five friends. Recently, I found out that one of my best friends (let’s call her M) has been talking badly about me behind my back for the past six months. She told another friend that she doesn’t even consider me a real friend and is just “tolerating” me in the group.I grew up in a strict household, so I often had to lie to my parents to hang out with friends. Sometimes, when I couldn’t, I’d stay home. M knew this. I thought we were close enough to talk openly, even when someone was upset. But instead of talking to me, she gossiped — something she’s done to others in the group, and something I’ve always hated.What hurts more is that we already cut someone else out of our group in the past for doing exactly this kind of thing. M knew how strongly I felt about gossip and still did it.After I found out, I stopped talking to her. I didn’t confront her directly (I’m bad at confrontation), and she later gave me a vague apology that felt more like self-pity than anything real. Now the rest of the group wants me to make up with her because it’s creating tension, but I’m not sure I want to. I’ve even thought about leaving the group entirely, even though I’m fine with the others.
AITA for cutting her off without confrontation? Should I just forgive her and move on?