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July 12, 2023

When the winds of change are whispering: It’s time to end a friendship.

Friendships are an important part of our lives, providing us support, joy, and companionship. However, there may come a time when we find ourselves questioning the health of a friendship and whether or not it is time to let go. One crucial indicator that it may be time to end a friendship is if the person becomes toxic. Toxic individuals bring negativity into our lives and drain us emotionally. If you constantly feel drained after spending time with them or notice that they consistently belittle your dreams and aspirations, it might be a sign that this friendship has run its course.

This is something that I have just gone through, it is challenging to finally come to this decision, but once you do it allows for  a more open space, it allows for other things and people too come into our lives.

Another significant factor in recognizing when to end a friendship is the violation of boundaries. Healthy relationships thrive on mutual respect for each other’s boundaries. If you find yourself repeatedly feeling uncomfortable because your friend consistently crosses your limits without regard for your feelings or wishes, it might be an indication that this friendship is no longer serving you in a positive way. Remember, friendships should be built on trust and understanding rather than disregard for one another’s personal space.

This can be especially hard when you have tried to share your feelings with your friend and they refuse to acknowledge or talk about it. This is a major sign that it may be time to end the friendship. If a relationship is important then discussing issues to keep it healthy is also important. This can be so hard when you have dearly cared for someone and they are unwilling to communicate.

It can be challenging to let go of friendships, but sometimes it becomes necessary for our own well-being. Trust your gut and let your intuition guide you; if something feels off about the relationship or if their actions cause you constant distress, take time for self-reflection. Remember that maintaining healthy boundaries and surrounding yourself with people who uplift you are essential components in building strong connections and lasting friendships with others.

For me I made the decision to end all contact with this friend. And now comes the time to allow for the healing.  I want to share some ideas with you on how you can move forward with this type of healing.

  • Allow yourself to grieve: It’s natural to feel a sense of loss after a friendship ends. Take the time to acknowledge and process your emotions.
  • Reflect on the reasons for the friendship ending: Understanding why the friendship ended can help you gain closure and prevent making similar mistakes in future relationships.
  • Seek support from other friends or loved ones: Lean on your support system during this time. Surrounding yourself with people who care about you can provide comfort and perspective.
  • Focus on self-care: Engage in activities that bring you joy and promote self-healing, such as exercise, journaling, or practicing mindfulness.
  • Let go of resentment and forgive: Holding onto anger or resentment towards your former friend will only hinder your healing
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Heather Chapplain  |  Contribution: 245