The Friendship Breakups No One Talks About And How Women Are Healing From Them

Adult friendships, real adult friendships, can provide substance, reassurance, and happiness; conversely, when that friendship ends, it can sometimes feel more devastating than a romantic relationship. 

Losing someone you felt would be in your life forever can be blindsiding, heartbreaking, and sometimes, unbelievable. Some friendships can be closer than family. However, like all relationships, you must accept what is and move forward. Her Agenda has some tips that will aid in healing and moving on in life.

Mourning the loss of someone who is still alive can seem unorthodox, but in order to heal, you must allow your psyche to let go. By allowing yourself to mourn the end of the friendship, you are accepting that that person no longer holds the same importance and title in your life. This won’t be an easy feat, but it is necessary to press forward and to heal.

According to Grief Coach Shelby Forsythia, friendship loss might be slow and subtle, like a friend who drifts away over time. Or it might be sudden and jarring, like a family member ghosting you after your diagnosis or divorce.

You may question the part you played in the loss of the friendship, let it play repeatedly in your mind, ask for advice from others, wonder if your other friends feel the same, or feel like the time ran its course with the friendship.

We Thrive Together suggests accepting the end and letting go. Additionally, setting boundaries is a recommendation, which encourages you to learn from past mistakes and treat new relationships differently.

After mourning the loss, you have to accept that the friendship is really over. You may have to delete photos, their phone number, and even mutual friends and their family you’ve created relationships with. Cutting ties, creating boundaries, and focusing on your mental health is all you need to focus on at this time.

The beautiful thing about life is the option to evolve. When you are about to elevate in life, everything begins to change, but this is by design. You can’t do the same thing and expect different results, and the same goes for the people around you; not everybody can go with you on your journey to be better, and it can be hard to accept at times. As you continue on your designated path, you will keep who is meant to be with you, meet new people, and create new memories. 

According to Verywell Mind, It’s common for our friendships to change as we get older. In fact, one study found that after age 25, losing friends is common and happens until around 45. After 45, friendships begin to stick as mature adults see the benefits and value in true meaningful friendships.

MM Therapy states: “Healing doesn’t happen overnight; in fact, it is a gradual process that unfolds over time. Healing involves growth, patience, setbacks, learning, and unlearning. It’s important to acknowledge that healing looks different for each individual. Whether a person is healing from trauma, grief, or even navigating anxiety and depression, healing should be dealt with care.”

Giving yourself grace during this period is pivotal. Try not to point fingers at your friend or yourself, and focus on moving ahead. Healing works best when you recenter yourself, and you’ll need it as the days go by and it settles in that you no longer have your friend. Healing hurts; your new reality hurts; mourning the loss of your friendship hurts; but it will get better in time.