How to Navigate the 7 Most Awkward Types of Conversations Between Friends

You know that feeling of dread when you have to have a hard conversation with someone you love? While awkward conversations might be a more difficult part of life, honesty and authenticity are key ingredients for any healthy relationship. But we all know the promise of growth doesn’t make the hard stuff any less painful in the moment. When tension surfaces between you and a friend, it can be helpful to have a game plan for your convo. By bringing a little extra thoughtfulness to the table, you can show your friend you really do care, even in the midst of next-level awkwardness.

Here are a few of our best suggestions for navigating some of the most difficult topics that might come up with your friends — and doing it graciously.

1. You and your friend had a conflict, and she’s clearly in the wrong. This one all depends on how you define “in the wrong.” If this is a matter of opinion — say, you and your friend disagree on politics — after you let her know you love her and don’t want these things to get in the way of friendship, suggest you two don’t get into debates in the future. But if your friend wronged you in a more personal way, like lying to you or saying something hurtful, it’s important to share your feelings so they don’t grow toxic over time. Once you both cool off, tell her exactly what hurt you without labeling her or antagonizing her. For example, instead of “You’re so mean and careless with your words,” you could say “Sometimes in the heat of the moment, you’ve said pretty hurtful things, and I’d hate for that to get in the way of our closeness. Do you think you could work on that?”

2. They owe you money.Is there anything more passive-aggressive than an out-of-the-blue Venmo request? Still, money can be really tough to talk about, especially if you know your friend is in a difficult place financially. Bring this one up delicately, assure your friend you’re not upset, and give her time to figure out how to pay you back if you think it’s an issue. It can be helpful to set a time frame or boundary and cushion it with understanding, like “Hey, I just realized not everyone has paid me back from ‘X’ event. I know money is tight for all of us, so do you think you could get it to me by next Friday, after you get paid?” If she still doesn’t come through after the deadline, you might want to have a more assertive conversation — and avoid lending her cash in the future.

3. She’s dating someone who’s clearly wrong for her. It can be so hard to watch someone you love partner up with someone you don’t. If your friend is in a dangerous or abusive situation with a significant other, don’t worry too much about awkwardness — you’re looking out for her safety. But if you simply can’t stand your BFF’s significant other, you will want to be a little more careful with your approach. Think through the things you love about your friend. Does her partner help bring those things to the surface? Or do you notice that this person has a negative effect on your friend’s personality or mental health? If so, focus on what you value about your friend rather than what you don’t like about her partner, saying something like “I’ve noticed you’ve changed quite a bit since dating this person, and I miss you!” If your friend doesn’t agree or she takes offense, let it rest. Chances are, you’ll eventually date someone she’s not crazy about.

4. Your friend is about to jump into a horrible decision. Again, if this isn’t an issue of immediate safety, remember: You and your friend are both adults. Sometimes, it can help people to learn from their mistakes. If you must speak up, try stating your concerns by pairing them with a positive. For instance, if your friend is talking about moving across the country to be with a boyfriend she’s only been dating a few months, affirm her excitement before you address your concern. “It’s so cool how adventurous you are — I wish I had your guts! But, on the very small chance your move doesn’t work out, do you have a back-up plan?”

5. She asks you if you like her haircut (or outfit), and you don’t. Who hasn’t dealt with this one? How you answer probably depends on the dynamics of your specific friendship. If you’re dealing with your since-childhood best friend and you two have always been honest about bad dye jobs and out-of-date outfit choices, state it to her gently, as she would to you. But if this is a newer friend, and you aren’t sure how she’ll take it, tread lightly. Is honesty is your top priority? Then make sure to frame it positively: “I don’t think I’d choose those boots, but I bet with the right outfit you could rock them.”

6. You need to own up to a mistake. Admitting you’re wrong is never easy, but it demonstrates honesty and humility, which are important if you want to protect your friendship. For that reason, be straightforward as soon as you can about went wrong, and let your friend know you’ll make an effort to ensure it doesn’t happen again. In these sticky scenarios, while an explanation of what went wrong is fine, avoid excuses, as refusing to own up to your wrongs will only do more damage.

7. You want to end a toxic friendship. Some friendships aren’t meant to last forever, and in many cases, they gradually fizzle out without an awkward conversation. But if you’re feeling like it’s time to cut off a friendship immediately, it’s probably better to have the talk sooner rather than later so your friend doesn’t have reason to believe you dragged it out or misled her. Rather than placing blame, let her know the things you’ve valued about your relationship and that it’s not necessarily about her, but the friendship itself. Try saying something like, “We have so many great memories, and I think you’re a really inspiring person. I just feel like we are headed in opposite directions.”

How do you deal with hard conversations? Tell us your tips @BritandCo.

(Photo via Getty)

One Tree Hill fans were heartbroken (and a little bit confused) when season 6 ended and Peyton (Hilarie Burton) and Lucas (Chad Michael Murray) left without a trace. It had been a season of danger, life-threatening situations, and literal murder, and for two of the show's leads to just fall off the face of the earth felt inconsistent with how tight-knit the friend group had always been. And viewers weren't the only ones to think so.

"This is the problem: They didn't give us enough to make where our friends went make sense," Drama Queens host Sophia Bush said of the "unfortunate" decision to write Hilarie and Chad out of the show. (Hilarie has said in a previous episode of the rewatch podcast that both her and Chad were "treated badly, and he defended me...Chad was my teammate.")

Keep reading for what Sophia Bush, Bethany Joy Lenz, and Robert Buckley's thoughts on Peyton and Lucas leaving One Tree Hill.

Sophia Bush thought Peyton and Lucas leaving 'One Tree Hill' was "really weird."

Warner Bros. TV

One Tree Hill season 6 ended after Peyton almost died giving birth to her and Lucas' daughter, and after introducing baby Sawyer to the rest of the crew, they just...drive off into the sunset.

"I don't even remember where they moved. Where did they go?" Bethany Joy Lenz says, to which Robert Buckley replies, "They left in a convertible, so I'm gonna guess maybe the West Coast where it's a bit warmer and less rainy."

But no matter where Peyton and Lucas moved, the One Tree Hill cast can't quite wrap their heads around the fact that, in the story, Brooke literally never hears from Peyton again. "I used to ask, 'Why can't Brooke [Davis] be getting text messages from Peyton? Why can't you see them texting? Like, why am I not getting photo updates of this baby? It feels really weird.'"

And while Lucas returns for an episode in season 9, he was also radio silent for his three-season absence, as was his mom Karen. "Everybody, they just faded off into the distance," Bethany says. "I do wish they had kept that up in some more clear way. I don't think it would have been hard."

While Bethany Joy Lenz think is was because of "personal beef" behind the scenes.


But Bethany theorizes the onscreen confusion boils down to behind-the-scenes drama with creator Mark Schwann, whom the cast accused of sexual harassment in 2017. The women of the show wrote an open letter explaining how “many of us were, to varying degrees, manipulated psychologically and emotionally," and how "more than one of us is still in treatment for post-traumatic stress."

"I think it was some sort of personal beef behind the scenes," Bethany adds in the Drama Queens episode. "He was hoping the audience would just forget about them."

"Which seems so stupid because it's a choice rooted in ego," Sophia adds. "It's like, 'Dude, you wrote those characters, so you knew they were great. So why are we suddenly pretending they're not?'"

Fred Norris/Warner Bros. TV

Hopefully we'll see all our favorite Tree Hill Ravens return for a One Tree Hill sequel series. While the show hasn't been officially greenlit at Netflix yet, Hilarie Burton exclusively told Brit + Co that everyone involved in the show is "really proud of the work that we did back then too. And so to see the public support this little show we made 20 years later, that's so special and it's so rare."

You can stream all of One Tree Hill on Hulu now — and read up on Chad Michael Murray's Perfect Idea For The One Tree Hill Reunion.

Colleen Hoover (and her books) aren't afraid to make a statement. BookTok is still reeling from Verity, while the rest of the internet can't stop talking about all the It Ends With Us behind-the-scenes drama. and Hoover's newest adaptation, Regretting You, is just as gripping and emotional as all her other stories. The movie is based on the 2019 novel of the same name, and while It Ends With Us centers around romantic relationships, Regretting You is all about mother-daughter relationships.

What's 'Regretting You' about?

Amazon

Regretting You follows Morgan Grant (played by Allison Williams), who put her dreams on hold years ago when she got pregnant with her daughter Clara (McKenna Grace). Their age gap mirrors the one we see we see between Lorelai and Rory in Gilmore Girls, but instead of the Gilmores' close bond, Morgan and Clara's relationship becomes more strained the older Clara gets — especially when Morgan's husband Chris passes away in a tragic accident, revealing a secret that could change Clara's life forever.

While It Ends With Us is a larger production from Sony, Regretting You will be an indie production. Stay tuned for official production details!

Who's in the 'Regretting You' cast?

Monica Schipper/Arturo Holmes/Getty Images

Allison Williams (Get Out) and McKenna Grace (Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire) lead the Regretting You cast. These two are joined by Dave Franco (Now You See Me), Mason Thames (The Black Phone), Willa Fitzgerald (The Fall of the House of Usher), and Scott Eastwood (Wind River: Rising).

The movie will be directed by The Fault in Our Stars' Josh Boone and written by Susan McMartin.

When does 'Regretting You' come out?

JESHOOTS.com/Pexels

Regretting You comes out on October 24, and it's easily one of our most-anticipated movies for 2025!

Is 'Regretting You' a spicy book?

Pixabay/Pexels

Regretting You definitely has less spice than Colleen Hoover's other books. In fact, this TikToker ranks it as her least-spicy book! Since the story focuses on Morgan and Clara, instead of a romantic relationship, this is a good pick for any readers who prefer less spicy books.

What's the message of 'Regretting You'?

Alexander Grey/Pexels

Regretting You is all about life, which I know sounds like a huge message! But the story introduces us to an established family rather than two people who want to begin a family. Chris, Morgan, and Clara already have relationships with each other, and as time passes in the story, Regretting You shows us how circumstances can change, how overwhelming our emotions can feel, and how strong our family bonds can become.

Looking for more movie & entertainment news? Follow us on Facebook so you never miss a thing!

You're always on a mission to have the best lunch, no matter what day of the week it is. Fancy sandwich recipes can keep you going for a while, but sometimes you want something completely different... and a little more satisfying. If you find yourself getting bored of the same old lunches day in and day out, these high-protein wraps will spice things up without making you feel totally bleh!

These high-protein wraps are delicious, easy to prep, and so protein-packed. That's a win-win-win in our book! Keep reading for a roundup of some of the best healthy mid-day meals that you can make for a quick lunch or dinner. Skipped breakfast? We've also got a few egg-centric wraps to get you through the day.

Have fun getting creative with these easy high-protein wraps and recipes!

High-Protein Wraps From Brit + Co

Brittany Griffin

Keto Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Whether you're chowing down on these wraps for a snack or a full meal, they'll hold a deliciously bright flavor that's super refreshing for a food break. (via Anna Monette Roberts forBrit + Co)

Chef Bai

Vegan Lettuce Wraps

Originally developed by Chef Bai, these vegan lettuce wraps have all the ingredients you need to feel your best. (via Chef Bai for Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Bulked up with plenty of flavorful chicken, these lettuce wraps are far from those lousy, low-protein recipes. (via Brit + Co)

High-Protein Wraps With Chicken

Half Baked Harvest

Greek Goddess Chicken Wraps

Roasted chicken, avocado, olives, cucumbers make this wrap an easy and delicious combo. Pair it with pita and go lighter on the carbs with lettuce. Either way, you'll find these will be your go-to lunch or dinner wrap year-round! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Half Baked Harvest

Buffalo Chicken + Avocado BLT Wrap

The secret ingredient here? Potato chips for extra crunch. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Cilantro Parsley

Teriyaki Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Your classic chicken teriyaki in a healthy lettuce wrap will keep your energy up, post-lunch. (via Cilantro Parsley)

Whole Foods

Coconut Curry Wrap

These high-protein wraps host a flavorful kick of spices, perfectly paired with a little apple crunch. (via Whole Foods)

Spices in my DNA

Mexican Chicken Quinoa Salad Wraps

Quinoa + beans + chicken = the high-protein trifecta. You won't find yourself reaching for a snack a few hours later, because this Mexican wrap will fill you up – and then some. (viaSpices in my DNA)

Cooking Classy

Greek Grilled Chicken + Hummus Wrap

This wrap is everything you love from your go-to Greek lunch spot. Did someone say CAVA dupe?! You have tons of veggies and olives, tangy feta cheese and chicken and hummus (both of which are full of protein) in these high-protein wraps. (via Cooking Classy)

The Cozy Apron

Grilled Lemon Chicken Flatbread Wraps with Spicy Garlic Sauce

Take your leftover grilled chicken from dinner the night before, squeeze a lil' lemon on it, and whip up this wrap for lunch. Just add the homemade spicy garlic sauce to these high-protein wraps, and you have a whole new meal in your hands! (via The Cozy Apron)

Tastes Better From Scratch

Hawaiian BBQ Chicken Wraps

Take your lunch outside and enjoy it in the sunshine for once! When you get back to work after lunch, you’ll be reenergized from your Hawaiian-influences high-protein wraps, and your 30 minutes of vitamin D. (via Tastes Better From Scratch)

Tara’s Multicultural Table

Grilled Chicken Naan Wraps with Roasted Red Pepper Tahini Sauce

Playing around with different high-protein wraps is a fun way to switch up your mealtime routine. This grilled chicken wrap is housed in Indian naan bread and drizzled with a nutty red pepper tahini sauce. Dreamy! (via Tara’s Multicultural Table)

Tried and Tasty

Chicken, Spinach & Cream Cheese Tortilla Wrap

You’ll feel like Popeye when you eat this chicken spinach wrap for lunch! Not only are these high-protein wraps filled with fresh spinach, they're also all wrapped up in a yummy spinach tortilla. (via Tried and Tasty)

Taste & Tell

California Chicken Club Wrap

Turn your favorite sandwich order into a portable feast! These chicken club high-protein wraps have a double-dose of protein from the bacon and chicken, and will keep you full until your work day is over. The recipe even incorporates fruit for a varied taste and texture. (viaTaste & Tell)

Feel Good Foodie

Grilled Chicken + Broccoli Wraps

Tender chicken and broccoli are seasoned to perfection with a cheesy filling in these high-protein wraps. This recipe is the best mix of delicious and healthy! (via Feel Good Foodie)

Skinny Ms.

Chicken Caesar Wrap

You’re going to love this Caesar salad-inspired wrap. It has strips of tender chicken breast and a zesty homemade Caesar dressing made with protein-rich Greek yogurt. Get ready to make your salad-loving coworkers jeal-ous! (via Skinny Ms.)

The Real Food Dietitians

BLT Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps

Upgrade your classic BLT with tender chicken chunks, creamy avocado oil mayo, red onion, fresh chives and avocado for a healthy and hearty lunch or dinner. Yum! (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Salt & Lavender

Waldorf Chicken Salad Wrap

Apples and walnuts gives these high-protein wraps a delightful crunch. The protein-packed chicken salad included can be made in a big batch at the start of the week for an easy and healthy meal prep option! (via Salt & Lavender)

The Girl on Bloor

Kale Chicken Caesar Wrap

This Chicken Caesar wrap is a lot healthier since it uses a lighter homemade Caesar dressing, chicken breast, multigrain wraps and kale (which is full of good nutrients). (via The Girl on Bloor)

High-Protein Wraps With Egg

Feel Good Foodie

Mediterranean Egg Wrap

This versatile wrap is perfect for breakfast or lunch, and will keep you satisfied through whatever the work day brings. Dress it up with veggies and cheese for added taste. (via Feel Good Foodie)

A Spicy Perspective

Keto Breakfast Egg Wrap

This low-carb wrap is stuffed with chicken sausage, avocado, and jalapeño cream cheese for a heavenly breakfast bite. (via A Spicy Perspective)

A Spicy Perspective

Keto Egg Roll Wrap

These warm wraps are inspired by your favorite egg rolls – yum! They're keto-friendly and especially high in protein, thanks to the eggs and meat. You'll want to eat one every single day. (via A Spicy Perspective)

High-Protein Wraps With Beef + Pork

Forks & Foliage

Beef + Lamb Shawarma Wrap

This Lebanese street food makes for a perfect lemony, garlicky savory lunch. Marinated beef and Greek yogurt give this recipe a boost of protein! (viaForks & Foliage)

Averie Cooks

Spicy Pork Lettuce Wraps

These spicy pork wraps are so easy to make and ready in less than 20 minutes. Here's your high protein, gluten-free dinner to add to your dinner rotation! (via Averie Cooks)

The Endless Meal

Carnitas Tacos Lettuce Wrap

Crunchy, juicy, and delicious taco flavors swarm every bite of this lettuce wrap. Choose to wrap in lettuce or a tortilla, depending on your mood. (via The Endless Meal)

The Endless Meal

Steak Lettuce Wrap

Prefer to keep it light with lettuce wraps? You'll never miss a thing with this savory, steak-centered recipe. (via The Endless Meal)

Mission Foods

Cuban Press

Panini-fy this wrap for a warm protein-packed lunch! (via Mission Foods)

Maebells

Loaded Philly Cheese Steak Wraps

A good Philly cheese steak can be hard to find. Skip the search and make your own version into a portable wrap that’s totally desk-appropriate. (via Maebells)

Salt & Lavender

Healthy Ham Wrap

Customize these high-protein wraps with your favorite veggies (or just any ingredients you have lying around), and you can have a healthy lunch on the table in just 10 minutes! (via Salt & Lavender)

Emily Bites

Black + Blue Steak Wraps

It doesn’t get much more protein-filled than a steak wrap! Your work buddies will be begging for a taste of this steakhouse-style lunch at the office. (via Emily Bites)

High-Protein Wraps With Seafood

Kathryn's Kitchen

Cilantro Lime Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

These fresh and tasty Shrimp Lettuce Wraps are full of flavor with lime, garlic and cilantro, plus a little guac and salsa! (via Kathryn's Kitchen)

The Healthy Foodie

Tuna Wrap

Walnuts, raisins, and capers give these tuna high-protein wraps a sweet n' salty vibe. If you don’t like mayo, try using Greek yogurt as your tuna salad binder instead, for added protein. (via The Healthy Foodie)

Goodie Godmother

Spicy Tuna Wraps

Give your usual tuna salad a little zest by adding a squirt of Sriracha to the mix! Spread it on a whole wheat tortilla with some fresh veggies and you’re good to go! You could also get fancy with your high-protein wraps and use rice paper rolls with this recipe. (via Goodie Godmother)

Whole And Heavenly Oven

Hot Honey Salmon Wrap

Here's a hot tip: add hot honey-glazed salmon, avocado, and a creamy scallion slaw for an instant lunch upgrade! (via Whole And Heavenly Oven)

High-Protein Wraps With Veggies

Veggie Primer

Easy Black Bean Wrap

Making sure you have enough protein is important, especially if you're a vegan eater. Black beans are a great plant-based source of protein, and go perfectly in this lunchtime wrap. (via Veggie Primer)

Food Faith Fitness

Vegan Grilled Sweet Potato + Mint-Tahini Cauliflower Rice Wraps

These vegan wraps are a light and healthy lunch option that won’t put you in a total food coma for the afternoon. Prep them on Sunday, and you can have a healthy lunch every day of the week. (viaFood Faith Fitness)

Live Eat Learn

Portobello Mushroom Gyro

Seasoned with Mediterranean spices, these high-protein wraps are satisfyingly drizzled with a creamy tzatziki saucethat brings the protein. (via Live Eat Learn)

Two Spoons

Green Goddess Wrap

Mashed avocado, arugula, purple cabbage, edamame, and zucchini all wrapped in a warm wholegrain wrap will treat your body so good. (viaTwo Spoons)

Foodiecrush

Hummus Veggie Wrap

Homemade spicy hummus serves as the main protein source for this vegetarian lunch wrap. It’s packed with cucumbers, tomatoes, sprouts, spinach and avocado. Even though there’s no meat, you’ll be full and focused for the rest of the work day! (via Foodiecrush)

Culinary Hill

Ultimate Veggie Wrap

With herbed cream cheese and Havarti cheese, this fresh veggie wrap is anything but boring. (via Culinary Hill)

Cilantro & Parsley

Vegan Tofu Wrap

Vegan Caesar dressing, flour tortillas, baked tofu, and pico de gallo make for some easy and flavorful high-protein wraps in you're eating plant-based. (via Cilantro & Parsley)

Veggie Primer

Vegan BBQ Tempeh Coleslaw Wrap

Even meat-eaters will be drawn to this easy, healthy, and plant-based wrap recipe. The coleslaw is wrapped up inside these high-protein wraps, so all you need is a side of sweet potato wedges to complete your meal. (via Veggie Primer)

Live Eat Learn

Chard Sandwich Wrap

Filled with a chickpea tuna salad, these high-protein wraps provide a crunchier and more filling alternative to butter lettuce. (via Live Eat Learn)

Rachel Mansfield

Spinach And Feta Wrap

Inspired by the Starbucks spinach feta wrap, this version is packed with protein and veggies for the ultimate grab-and-go breakfast or lunch. (via Rachel Mansfield)

Bonus Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Wrap ​from Half Baked Harvest!

Half Baked Harvest

As a bonus, we're throwing in one of our favorite easy and healthy wrap recipes that pushed all the right buttons on flavor. You'll combine shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, herbs, lettuce, and a little cheddar cheese, fold them up in wraps, then pan-fry until warm and crispy!

These easy wraps, made by Half Baked Harvest, come together in mere minutes. They're crunchy on the outside, cheesy on the inside. Serve with the deliciously creamy jalapeño lime ranch and additional buffalo sauce! These healthy wraps are great for both lunch and dinner, but equally fun for a game night, too!

First things first: start with the buffalo chicken. Shred up a couple of chicken breasts and toss them with homemade buffalo sauce, Greek yogurt (for creaminess), and fresh herbs. Most buffalo chicken fillings are made with cream cheese, but you can swap in yogurt for a healthier choice.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
  • 1/4 cup plain greek yogurt
  • 1/3 cup buffalo sauce
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
  • 1 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • 4 large (burrito size) whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
  • 1-2 jalapeños or poblano peppers, chopped
  • 3 green onions, chopped
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
  • Olive oil, for cooking

Ingredients for jalapeño ranch:

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños chopped + 2 tablespoons brine
  • Juice from 1 lime
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

To assemble:

Make a cut down the center of your tortillas, then add the chicken to one corner, and the greens to another corner, and finally the cheese to another. Fold it all up, then pan-fry. So you've got...

  • One-quarter of buffalo chicken
  • Another quarter wrap of greens n' things
  • A quarter full of ranch
  • And finally a quarter full of cheese
  • Fold it all up into one triangle

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, combine the chicken, yogurt, buffalo sauce, chives, parsley, and dill.
  2. To make the ranch. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
  3. To assemble, cut down from the center of the tortilla to the edge. Spread the chicken in the bottom left corner, then add a handful of the lettuce, jalapeño/poblano pepper, and green onions on the top left corner. Spread the ranch on the top right corner, and the cheese on the bottom right corner. Fold the buffalo chicken over the lettuce. Then, working clock-wise, folding that quarter over the ranch. And finally, fold that quarter over the cheese.
  4. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet, add 1 wrap and cook 2-3 minutes per side until crisp and golden brown. Serve warm with extra buffalo sauce, ranch, and lettuce.

Find more quick easy lunch recipes and more on our Food section, get inspired on Pinterest, or join our newsletter for more snackable recipes and tips!

This post has been updated.