Before you sit down to talk with your friend or worry further about the situation, it can be a good idea to take a step back and evaluate the relationship.  Does your friend only occasionally act clingy or is she constantly trying to claim your full attention?  Figuring out how serious and recurring her need for your attention is can help you decide what the next step should be.  Maybe your friend was recently stressed out and needs some extra attention.  If this is the case, the problem should resolve itself. You may need to try and set boundaries if your friend is constantly demanding your attention. Using excuses may work, in the short-term.  However, it can get tiring and it sets up a false kind of boundary.  Whenever possible, try to not use one-time excuses to avoid hanging out with your friend.  If you don't want to visit with her, you may have to be more direct.  Being direct can help her understand your needs and boundaries more clearly as opposed to making excuses.  Don't say something like “I've got a doctors appointment” to buy yourself some free time. You will likely grow tired of coming up with excuses.  Being direct can be more effective. If your friend is truly being over-bearing and clingy, there is nothing wrong with focusing on your needs.  A good friendship should go both ways, being a kind of give-and-take that works to build a stronger bond.  If your friend is taking more than she gives back, it's perfectly fine to let them know how you feel and what you need.  Don't be afraid to tell your friend that you feel like she is asking too much of you. A good friend will listen to you and give you the time and space that you need. Your own well-being is important.  Don't neglect your own needs for those of your friend. Thinking about your own needs over those of your friend may make you feel guilty or selfish.  However, it's perfectly fine to consider thinking about the nature of your friendship and any problems it may have.  Realizing that it's okay to think about what you need in a friendship can help you to avoid feelings of guilt.  It's important to remember that your own needs are just as important. It can also help to remember that good friendships should make both people feel great and supported by the relationship. You may feel that your friendship can be saved.  However, you may also realize that you don't feel like it can continue.  Depending on how clingy your friend is being, you will need to make a choice to either work to fix the relationship or end it.  Think about steps you may have already taken to fix the relationship. Have you already spoken to your friend about your space needs? Have you tried other strategies to distance yourself? If so, what happened? Did it work for a while or not at all? Consider how the friendship makes you feel. If it is draining and stressful to spend time with your friend, then it may be necessary to end it. Ask yourself if seeing your friend only once per week or twice per month would be enough distance, or if you really do need to end the friendship completely.
فكّر في مدى جدية المشكلة. تجنّب خلق الأعذار. قيّم الوضع. حاول ألا تشعر بالذنب. فكّر فيما ترغب في فعله.