But what about the friendship breakup? There isn’t really a script for what to do when you loose one of your go-to people. Instead of comfort and reassurance, you’re kind of left on your own to suffer in silence–because the very person you would turn to in times like these is no longer a part of your life.
Friendships are built on pure and unconditional love. In fact, you could say that there really isn’t a greater sign of love than asking your friend to hang out, even if it’s just to quickly get a coffee together. There is no external obligation, just the simple joy of choosing to spend time with one another–it’s because you enjoy the presence of this person more than just being by yourself.
These kinds of emotional bonds grow over years or even decades, to the point where they become a part of who we are. In short: friends are chosen family, our safe space. Losing a connection like that can feel like we lose a significant piece of ourselves.
"You’re kind of left on your own to suffer in silence–because the very person you would turn to in times like these is no longer a part of your life."
Unlike romantic relationships, friendships often tend to end without real closure, making it even more difficult to navigate through this grief. When you grieve a romance, it’s easier to distract yourself with the help of your friends, but what can you really do when you lose a friend? It can leave a deep void in your life when you lose the very person you would go to whenever you would feel this way. Romantic partners can come and go, but it’s not that simple to find your new best friend.
The pain of losing a friend is valid and it’s time we recognise it for what it is: heartbreak.