6 Ways To Deal With Friendship Breakups And Navigate Healing

By Allison Kong on 19 Jan 2024

Coping with friendship breakups can be tough. Whether you've drifted apart, had a falling out, or faced a hurtful situation, the feelings are real. Many people keep going over what went wrong or what they could have done differently. While it's normal to consider these things, constantly dwelling on the loss can make it harder to move on.

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Thinking about lost friendships is important for healing, but it's crucial not to get too stuck in these thoughts. Learning to stop overthinking about a friendship breakup helps you look ahead with a new perspective. In this article, we will explore six effective ways to deal with friendship breakups.

#1 Allow yourself to grieve

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Just like any other loss, it's important to give yourself permission to grieve. You may experience a range of emotions such as sadness, anger, and even guilt. It's okay to feel these emotions and take the time to process them. Surround yourself with supportive people who can provide comfort and understanding during this challenging period.

#2 Be extra kind to yourself

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Going through a breakup, be it with a romantic partner or a friend, can be incredibly tough on your emotions. This is the time to show yourself some extra love and care. Engage in activities that genuinely bring you joy – pick up a new hobby, try out mindfulness or meditation to find peace, keep your body moving with regular exercise, and put your overall well-being front and center. Taking these steps to nurture yourself is like giving a warm hug to your own heart, providing the strength and compassion you need to navigate through the healing process.

#3 Reach out for support

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Hey, we all need a little help sometimes, especially during tough times like a friendship breakup. Don't hesitate to lean on your support squad – talk to friends or family who are good listeners and can offer advice or just a shoulder to lean on. If you're into it, check out support groups or hop online to connect with communities where people share their own stories about friendship breakups. Sharing your feelings and hearing from others who've been through similar stuff can really bring comfort and reassurance that you're not navigating this journey solo. You've got people in your corner, so don't be shy about seeking that extra bit of support.

#4 Letting go and finding peace through forgiveness

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Let's talk about forgiveness. We get it, forgiving someone after a friendship breakup is no walk in the park. It doesn't mean you're saying everything's okay or forgetting what happened. It's more like a gift you give yourself to release the heavy weight of resentment. Take a moment, inhale deeply, let go of that grudge, and allow yourself the freedom to heal and move forward.

#5 Take a moment for some self-reflection and learning

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Nobody's perfect, not even you, so don't be too hard on yourself for what went wrong. Take a moment to think about your own role in the friendship breakup. It's not about blaming yourself; it's about understanding. What did you bring to the table? What can you learn from the situation? This self-reflection isn't a guilt trip; it's a journey toward personal growth. We're all a work in progress, and this reflection time can be your guide to avoiding similar bumps in future friendships.

#6 Don't be afraid to make new friends

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While your previous friend brought laughter and understanding, there are others out there ready to offer similar support and love, actively seeking to become a meaningful part of your life – and you absolutely deserve that. As an adult, initiating conversations with strangers may seem daunting. It's understandable; saying a warm hello to a neighbour can feel a bit awkward, but you just got to take the first step!

Despite the challenges of a friendship breakup, it's important to acknowledge and process the heartbreak. Moving forward doesn't mean erasing cherished memories or regretting the time invested in the relationship. Instead, take a moment to appreciate the good times and be thankful for them. Keep in mind that concentrating on the present will pave the way for personal growth and the beginning of your next chapter.