How to nagivate after losing a close friend.
Losing a best friend or someone that you’re super close to can be hard. It might even cut deeper than a romantic relationship depending on the nature and closeness of the friendship. It can feel unexpected, surprising, and even disappointing. It can also trigger old wounds. At one point you might even thought you would be friends with this person forever.
Friendships come and go and that’s okay. Here are some tips that can help you navigate during this time.
Acknowledge what’s happening:
Notice these shifts, observe but don’t absorb. Take notes without trying to react. It can be hard I know but the less you react, the less control your emotions have over you. Not letting your emotions control you is growth. And if you can’t right now and you just aren’t there yet, that’s okay too. Sometimes (not all the time) it’s important to tell people where and why they have you fucked up. But it comes at the cost of giving your energy away and lowering your vibrations, and we don’t want that.
Talk to your friend directly:
Expressing how you feel should never ruin a true relationship. They may be more understanding than you think, or they may not. Maybe you have already addressed the issue but weirdness still persists. Both discernment and intuition are key. It’s okay for certain dynamics to change but never at the expense of your own happiness and wellbeing.
Give yourself space, allow yourself to grieve:
Losing the people who you love and potentially still love even after no longer being friends is a difficult experience to go through and your feelings are valid.
Breathe. It’s going to be okay:
In life, loss happens and it’s sad and inevitable. Remember who you are and what you stand for. Take up a new hobby, go for a walk, get direct sunlight, smoke (if you’re into that), participate in yoga, journal. Hard times don’t last forever, and feelings of heaviness will pass. Never feel guilty for removing yourself from people and situations that are no longer serving you. That doesn’t mean that has to be long and drawn-out animosity, release them for the sake of yourself.
Forgive and make new friends:
You are the main character always! Take this opportunity to meet new people who better align with who you are now. The right people will be able to accommodate you and your needs. You won’t be too much for them, there will be a natural connection, and it will be replenishing. Losing old friendships can be tough be removing outdated cycles is good (even if it doesn’t feel that way now). If things are changing let it. Always remember to move through love.