I've lost the ability to say no to friends

Social social social. Blah blah blah. Chat chat chat.

Being a very large introvert, these things bother me. Immensely. So why is this my life most of the time? I used to have no friends back in fourth grade besides the girl I grew up with ans one other. We were besties. In fifth grade I had none. One friend moved across tge continent. One was too cool for me. I was never a very well liked girl, I was weird. I had a pet rat. I used old-fashioned words. I was overly enthusiastic about things. I hated sports. It's been like this since kindergarten.

Sixth grade was prolly the worst. More bullying. Dealing with moodswings. Physical discomfort. Absolutely no self confidence and tons of stress. There was one thing, though. Two girls. My old friends. The one girl moved back, and tge other decided to like me again because she had caught her "friends" gossiping about her. That summer lots of healing happened. By my friend who moved and some people from the Internet. They helped me grin and be more confident and gently teased me out of my emotional pit of wallowing.

In 7th grade two girls came to our class of 15. We all became friends. I'm happy with them. I love them. But, I can't seem to say no when someone is involved. Let me give you an example.

Friend K: Want to hang out today?

Me: Can't, I need to get some extra work done on my cosplay.

Friend K: You never hang out with me. Your so mean. Why do you hate me? *pours and fake depressively walks off*

Me: ....Ouch.

She even does it in front of my friends. Let's say we're on a couch watching a movie and she starts doing some weird aggressive thing where she rubs her head against my shoulder and crushes me to the side of the couch. If I push her away she looks fake sadly at me and says "why don't you love me?" and doesn't talk to me for the rest of the night, confusing everyone else. These creepy "caring?" things are uncomfortable and aggressive and piss me off fast. I tell her I need personal space. I ask her to lower her voice because I have a headache. All I get is her fake "depression".

Maybe I don't know how to accept these caring things from Friend K. A lot of the time I'd like to say no to when my friends invite me over, but I don't because of her whining. And one situation she told me that her and everyone else was talking about how I don't want to be their friend anymore. I stormed into tge SOS Brigade meeting of that day, confronted them about it, and they looked genuinely puzzled and said it never happened. I grouch in a stool while friend K is crying and asking me to forgive her. I must seem like a villain to them huh?

I can't say no to anything anymore cause, well, I'm afraid I'll lose them and be alone again. Part of me almost wishes for that, and part of me dreads. I always feel so uncomfortable around Friend K, and the fact that almost every movement she makes makes me want to punch her in the face.

Any ideas of how to get me out of this mess yet still have friends? ( friend K lives three houses away from me by the way, and she also walks home. If my mom picks me up she follows.)

Sounds like your friends are being immature.

Stand your ground and know your needs. If you don't want them to do something then say no and say it confidently, but not rudely to them. "Please don't do that", or "I don't like it when you do that, can you please stop" are great examples of being polite and telling them off kindly. If they're going to whine and complain, and not be your friend, then that is their problem and not yours. If they're truly your friends they will respect and understand your needs.

Have you tried making new friends at your school or in your community?

Chick, I know how you feel because I'm exactly like that too. It doesn't matter who the person is, this girl or the rest, because the main trait of an introvert (as you probably know) is that they get tired of being around others easily. So if you go out with your friends know your limits, and if you feel like you want alone time then take alone time. Say things with positive reinforcement such as "I'm actually busy then but maybe another time?", or, "Sounds good but I can't guarantee I'll be around!", or even, "I've got to do ____ this evening but I can come over now for an hour!" - if they ask what you're doing just tell them honestly and if they moan reassure them that you'll try to make the next social thing.

Friend K's behaviour, however, is very odd. And I'm surprised she acts like that in front of you and all your friends. Is this special attention just for you? I'm sure you won't be the only one who finds it bizzare! I would only go out with her when you're in a group from now on and when you do try to keep your distance. If she acts up like that again I'd try to embarrass Friend K and, like Brett said, be polite but firm and most importantly consistent: Acknowledge what they are doing, state it as you see it, and say how it will need to change.

Start seeking new acquaintances like in an afterschool activity or something away from school that takes your interest, such as a writing or art class? Perfect for having that quiet time and you'll find people there alike.