Potentially a delicate problem with a "friend"

[Reaper]

An old friend from primary school who I havent seen since has reappeared at the same college as me. I was happy at first, but Im starting to find him annoying and actually starting to dislike him.

Its like he hasnt grown up since year 6. He is never serious, he does the most random things like when Im talking to him he will just stare at me for ages, he will punch my arm a lot (this isnt threatening because I am bigger than him, but its childish and annoying), he distracts me from my work in class etc etc..

Basically I want rid of him, it kind of feels like he is clinging to me a bit, but I really dont know what to say to him.

Any suggestions for a polite way of saying piss off?

[Atonement]

You could simply just ignore him for several days. Or when he punches you just tell him to stop... in a polite manner if you want.

[Requin]

Unfortunately...I've never been able to find a way of saying 'piss off' politely.
Ignoring him might work..it's worth a try after all, maybe then he'll get the hint, and yes sadly some people are like that...I know a few. But there not too bad.

Maybe you could find others to hang around with...or hang around with them more..
And if he's distracting you from working, then maybe you could tell one of your teachers/lecturers that he's distracting you, they might be able to do something...

[byee]

"Do unto others.........."

You have the right to befriend whoever you want, but you also have the obligation to turn someone down kindly. Ask yourself how'd you like that to happen if you were on the receiving end, and follow suit.

So, that means be straight up about it, maybe putting it into historical perspective "We were good friends when we were kids.......", and then bringing it into the present, discussing why it isn't working currently for you "But now, you're annoying me a lot, doing 'x' ".

The idea of ignoring him is admittedly appealing b/c it avoid a confrontation, but that helps only you, which is more self serving on your part. Ignoring someone who's mean is OK, ignoring someone who's misguided but well intentioned is another! They deserve the courtesy of feedback, and an explanation. He is missing the feedback about how his behavior is affecting you, he might think this is all OK, he's not doing anything to be intentionally mean spirited or nasty. So, the responsibility is yours to provide the actual clarification and feedback about your experience of him here.