Bad Friend

Why Friendship Breakups Hurt and How to Heal

De: Michelle Elman

Narrado por: Michelle Elman

'So many people need this book' HOLLY BOURNE
'Insightful, wise, compassionate' LOUISE O'NEILL
'This book is your new best friend' SOFIE HAGEN
'Truly game-changing. A book we should ALL read' LOUISE PENTLAND

Society's message is loud and clear: romantic relationships matter more than friendship. But when we have an average of twenty-nine platonic relationships in our lifetime, compared to just seven-to-ten romantic relationships, why is the conversation on love far greater than friendship? Life coach and broadcaster Michelle Elman is determined to fix this.

If the conversation on friendship is quiet, the one on friendship break-ups is non-existent. This is despite research showing that only six friendships stand the test of time, which means that the average person experiences the ending of twenty-three friendships. As someone who has gone through a dozen of them, Michelle began to think she was a Bad Friend.

Have one too many friendship break-ups and people start questioning what's wrong with you. But what if you aren't the problem? What if the problem is how we think about friendship break-ups?

Introducing Bad Friend, a ground-breaking masterclass in friendship that makes space for every conversation you have never been allowed to have. Bad Friend will make you question everything you've been taught about friendships, and removes the stigma from friendship break-ups. This is for you if you've ever been hurt by a friend and, most importantly, reassures you that you're categorically not a bad friend.

'It's time for a new narrative around platonic love. I can think of no better person than Michelle to show us the way' MEGAN JAYNE CRABBE

'Female friendships can be core of a healthy, happy, fulfilled life. Their complexities are so often overlooked, but not anymore. Michelle Elman has perfectly summarised their complicated importance. Bravo' ANNA WHITEHOUSE

'The world would be a much better place if every woman read Bad Friend and learned to communicate as clearly and directly as Michelle teaches us to. A game-changer which made me feel a million times better about friendships that have gone wrong in the past, while arming me with the tools I need for the future' ELLIE MIDDLETON

'The guide to friendship breakups we all so desperately need. We've needed this book for years - I'm so happy it finally exists!' SOFIE HAGEN

'This book is a must-read for anyone who's ever questioned a friendship, felt the sting of outgrowing someone, or wondered how to be a better friend themselves' SHIVANI PAU

'This is a long overdue conversation about friendship: the joys, the break ups, the frustrations, and the tricky points of conflict that we all navigate over the course of time' ABIGAIL MANN

'Michelle's writing is my emergency contact - I always come away with pluck in my step and a plan of action' LEENA NORMS

'Michelle's ability to share her wisdom with wit, honesty, and heart - whilst tackling subjects often untouched - is a testament to her generosity and fearless spirit. With a wicked sense of humour, confidence and an uncanny ability to connect with people at every level, Michelle is truly one of a kind' MICHELLE ZELLI

'Michelle is the queen of boundaries' KATIE PIPER

'One of the 50 most influential women in the UK' THE SUN©2025 Michelle Elman (P)2025 Hachette Audio UK

Great Book about Navigating Friendships

Michelle nailed it! I loved the spotlight it shown on female friendships specifically and how friendships change overtime and through different life stages. I find it hard to make friends as an adult and it gave me the encouragement I need to move forward and try to make new friends! Thanks Michelle!

Another great book from Michelle

Great audio book, Michelle did a lovely job with the content and narrating. A book that would be good for all ages.

Wow just wow

Wow. This book made me feel so seen. It’s been a minute since I’ve read a self help book so this is saying something. Every chapter felt like Michelle was speaking directly to a version of me that needed to hear.
“You’re not the bad guy for walking away.”
It’s raw, validating, and deeply honest about the grief that comes with friendship breakups. The kind that leave scars but also teach you what real love and respect should look like. (Let’s say it louder for the ones in the back)
I won’t lie, I’ve been in my “f—- this person who betrayed me” era, but this book softened that anger into something wiser. I realized that anyone who gets to call me their friend is lucky. I give love deeply, and I deserve the same in return.
One line that stuck with me was, “Now that I have a voice, I’ll be damned if I let anyone take it from me.” That hit me straight in the chest because that’s exactly what this season of my life is about. Reclaiming my voice, my boundaries, and my peace.
Protecting your peace doesn’t make you a cold person. It makes you free. I needed this read. It made me so grateful for the friends I do have. Especially the ones who make me laugh until I cry, who feel easy, safe, and real.
Everything I’m doing is okay. I’m okay. 💛