How to leave friendship without drama

[lastwish]

I have a "friend" who is constantly rude, pick out flaws and insecurities of other people, and embarrasses them in public. I have tolerated her for years fearing that if I withdraw from the friendship, she might try to ruin my reputation (and since she knows many people who I know, she can do it easily). But I think it is time for me to withdraw from this "friendship" because being around her deteriorates my self esteem. I know many of my friends who know her as well and they avoid her. So, my question is, how do I get rid of her without provoking drama.

[Petit Papillon]

Just ignore her , eventually she'll realize you aren't her friend anymore.

[Lipp]

Yah, essentially you can just slowly cease interaction - talk less to her, do less stuff together, claim to be busy, and pretty soon it'll fade off without much notice.

Thought I wonder why your common friends would listen to her smacktalk at all given her personality.

[Mish]

I agree with the less interaction bit. Make yourself less available to her, return her calls / messages late citing being busy and she will become a very distant friend and fade away.