Friendship is a beautiful and essential part of life that provides companionship, support, and shared experiences. However, just like romantic relationships, friendships can sometimes come to an end. A friendship breakup can be as painful as a romantic one. It’s a common life experience that can be challenging to navigate. Here are some tips on how to work through a friendship breakup.
Talk it out with your friend:
While ending a friendship can be uncomfortable, so is ghosting, which involves abruptly leaving without any communication or warning. It’s advisable to discuss your feelings with your friend to ensure you’re both on the same page about the future. Maybe you don’t want to continue the friendship, but you want to be friendly and civil towards each other. Perhaps you don’t want to maintain any form of friendship and decide to set a clear boundaries. For example, choosing not to engage if you encounter each other in hallways or on the street. Talking can also be essential for setting boundaries for mutual friends, and defining how you’ll handle that aspect of your lives.
Grieve:
Give yourself time and space to grieve, much like you would in a romantic breakup. Self-care and solitude are healing, allowing you to focus on your interests and emotions tied to the loss. Connecting with others and sharing your feelings can be incredibly helpful in making sense of what is going on in the present.
Reflect:
After ending your friendship, take some time to reflect on the friendship.
- What would you have done differently?
- What do you look for in a friend?
- What role did you have in your relationship with this person?
These questions can highlight the reasons for the friendship’s end. Additionally, it can be helpful to remind yourself of all of the positive things that you bring to a friendship. Reflect and write down traits and characteristics that you feel you bring to the table. If you have a hard time starting the list, reach out to a friend and ask for their input.
Talking it out, grieving, and reflecting on your friendship are all essential to the breakup process. Sometimes the loss of a friend can feel more impactful than the loss of a significant. As often times people think that they will be friends with people for the rest of their lives. The truth may be the opposite: friends come and go in our lives, and our interests change over time. Friendship breakups are a part of life, and though painful, they can foster personal growth and new connections.
