Breaking up with friends is undoubtedly challenging, both emotionally and mentally. The ties we create with our friends are unique because we rely on them for emotional support, companionship, and laughter. It can be hard to comprehend when a relationship built on trust, memories, and vulnerability comes to an end.

However, the reality is that as we grow and change, so do our friendships. Sometimes, adult friendships need to come to an end, and it is crucial to know what to do, how to move forward, and, most importantly, how to move on. In this article, we will discuss seven things you can do to help you cope when an adult friendship ends and how to move forward.

1. Remind Yourself That People Come and Go for a Reason

As much as we would like to keep everyone we meet, it is not always possible. The first step in moving on is to remind yourself that people come and go for a reason. It is not necessarily anything wrong on anyone’s part. People just grow and change, and sometimes, the ties with them have to end.

It is easy to fall into the trap of feeling like you need to be the best friends with everyone you have ever met in your life, but letting go of such expectations can be incredibly freeing. You have lost a friend, and it is hard. But the reality is that now, there is more space in your life for someone else to come in.

2. Learn and Understand the Grieving Process

The end of an adult friendship can stir up various emotions, including denial, anger, sadness, and loneliness. It is essential to learn and understand the grieving process to help you cope with the necessary pain in this situation.

Just like any other breakup, the process is not linear. You may experience one component of the process, such as denial about the end of day-to-day contact, and then realize later that there are other aspects of your friendship that are over. The grieving process can be broken down into stages, and understanding these phases can help you through the healing journey.

3. Keep a Journal to Process Your Feelings

Putting pen to paper is an excellent way to cope with an adult friendship breakup. Use a journal to record your emotions, your thoughts, and your feelings. The act of writing them down can assist you in processing them, unraveling them, and gaining clarity on how to move forward.

If you allow your thoughts and emotions to remain in your mind unchecked, they can quickly become an obsession. You could end up focusing so much of your energy on the past that you forget to live in the present. Processing them in a safe space allows you to move forward, release the past, and make space for new friendships.

4. Reach Out to Good Friends and Lean on Them

While you may have lost a friend, it is essential to remember that you still have other adult friendships in your life. Now is the time to lean on them for emotional support. Reaching out to them, spending time with them, and sharing your feelings can help you process the breakup and feel less alone.

It is natural to want to withdraw from social activities when you experience pain, but doing so can compound the hurt. Reach out to good friends, engage with them, and trust in their ability to comfort and support you.

5. Solidify Your Self-Care Routine

In the wake of a friendship breakup, one thing that tends to fall by the wayside is self-care. However, prioritizing your self-care routine is more important now than ever before.

Ensure that you are eating healthily, drinking enough water, getting enough sleep, exercising, and taking care of your mental and emotional health. Showering, keeping your environment clean and tidy, and spending time in nature can also help you feel grounded and refreshed.

6. Try New Things

Now is the perfect time to venture out of your comfort zone and try new things. Experimenting with new hobbies, attending different events, or joining diverse groups can expose you to new people and offer fresh avenues for forming new friendships.

It can be hard to pull yourself out of sadness and stuckness, but doing new things can help you feel alive again. It can also help you gain perspective and remember that life is full of opportunities, even amidst loss and pain.

7. Show Yourself Kindness, Spend Time Learning About Yourself

Lastly, when you are experiencing the pain of a friendship breakup, it is crucial to remind yourself to be kind to yourself. This is the time to reflect on what you want in a relationship and solidify those values you deem essential.

During this period of loss, spend time learning about yourself. Envision what you want in your life and in your friendships. Allow yourself to feel joy and happiness again, and don’t let the end of a friendship define your experience.

Final Thoughts

Breaking up with friends is indeed hard. You are losing someone you may have relied on, felt comfortable with, or built strong bonds with. It can be challenging to know what to do, how to move forward, and move on. However, by prioritizing your self-care routine, trying new things, reaching out to good friends, processing your emotions, understanding the grieving process, and reflecting on your values, you take adequate steps towards healing, growth, and a new perspective on life.