the fear of confrontation comes from the fear of the unknown. not knowing how they will react to what you’re about to say. so say that. be 100% honest & transparent. if they get mad at honesty then truthfully you don’t need them lol. here’s list of ways to initiate confrontation:

hey, i did want to get some things off of my chest and i’m honestly nervous bc i’m not good at this kind of thing.

i don’t want you to take anything i say the wrong way because i’m saying it with love...

hey i was wondering if you had a moment for me. i just care about you and wanted to express this instead of hold it in.

from a friend to a friend can i give you my unsolicited advice?

i don’t want you to feel attacked by anything i’m about to say. i know i can’t prevent how you feel but just know i care about you & this is coming from a place of genuine concern for your health and wanting you to be better. if i overstep please let me know.

would you like me to be honest with you right now? i only say this because i’m not the type of friend to enable someone i genuinely care about.

i’m not sure if this has been your intention but this is how i’ve been feeling.

hey, i care about you and i know you care about me a lot but i really would appreciate if you wouldn’t (xyz) because...