Might seem like a childish question. Might seem like I'm just a weak bitch who can't stand up for himself. Maybe both are true. But basically, I've heard the advice before that if, for whatever reason, your friend group isn't aligned with your best interests - something that can certainly happen if you are on a path upward - it's often best to stop being friends with them.

For instance, after looking inward you realise what kind of person you are and what kind of people you want to associate with, you see that a lot of your current bunch of friends aren't these people. I'm sure many of you may have experienced this.

Is there anyone who can offer me practical advice of how to create this distance without causing some stupid middle-school-girl drama? How to do it in a way that doesn't leave this lingering awkwardness in the air between you and them, if that's even possible? Is it better to assert yourself to them, or just quietly back away and make up excuses when they ask if you wanna hang out? This is the kind of thing I am asking. Call me autistic but I actually don't understand how you do this.

Appreciate all advice.