When Friends Stop You from Studying

It’s always good to have friends by your side. But sometimes you need time and focus to get your studies done. What do you when your friend(s) won’t stop talking to you while you’re to study?

First, make them aware that you’re busy:

Be Blunt

Be upfront about it. A firm, “Sorry, I’m busy right now,” should work. You’re both students. Your friend should know that if you’re busy, you can’t afford to chat or hangout.

Calm Explanation

Maybe you don’t want to sound harsh. Maybe your friend is sensitive to being pushed away. If either of these are the case, calmly explain that you’re trying to finish your work. Maybe offer to catch up some other time.

Are they still there?

Then it’s time to take it up a notch.

Insist

Repeat yourself and make sure they understand that you really need to finish your studying. If they’re going to be pushy about sticking around, you can be equally pushy about sending them away. Just don’t take it too far, they are still your friends after all.

Ignore

If you friend or friend group insist on being near you, you can ignore them. It sounds rude, but they’ll rather get the hint and leave, or you’ll just have to tune them out while finishing what you have to do.

Invite

Invite them to study with you. Turn your casual chat into an impromptu study session. Maybe they’ll still try to strike up a conversation from time to time, but you both have your books out, you have a better chance of being productive.

Friendship can vary a lot between people, so don’t look at any of this as hard and fast rules. Stand up for yourself when you need to focus, but there’s no need to strain your friendship while doing so.