Splitting Up is Hard to Do: Friendship Breakups

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When a friendship ends, no one warns you about the emotional roller coaster that awaits. We're all too familiar with the heartbreak of a romantic breakup, the soul-sucking void left by the departure of a loved one, and the heated debates with family members over politics or life choices. But we tend to overlook the pain of losing a friend. It's like we've collectively decided to ignore the fact that friendships can be just as messy and complicated as romantic relationships. We're all about growing together, communicating our needs, compromising, and selflessly giving in the realm of romance, but when it comes to friendship, it's like we're all just winging it.

Friendships, the rollercoasters of our lives, are like romantic relationships without the romance. We have to prioritize each other, make plans together, and brace ourselves for unexpected challenges. It's like signing up for a thrilling ride with no idea what twists and turns await us. What I’ve been learning is that we need to be there for our friends when they enter new phases in life, even if it means embracing changes that might throw us off balance. It's like trying to stay calm when the rollercoaster takes an unexpected loop-de-loop. Just like any relationship, we have to talk things out. And no, I don't mean you need to hire a therapist (unless you really want to because therapy is truly the bee’s knees). Reflect on your own contributions to any potential strain and consider how your past experiences might impact your response to the current moment. It's like taking a breather between rollercoaster rides to catch your breath and reflect on the wild journey.