Don’t be afraid to cry if you feel like you need to. Crying can be a great way to release built-up emotions. When a friendship ends, it’s normal to feel emotions like sadness, anger, and confusion. You might also feel confused about why the other person doesn’t like you anymore, and you might feel anxious about seeing them again in the future. Be kind to yourself while you’re working through these emotions. [2] X Research source
Even if you feel like you had some part in the friendship ending, don’t blame yourself too much. Instead, do your best to learn from the situation and apply that lesson to friendships in the future. [4] X Research source
If you can’t avoid seeing the person, like if you work together or you have the same classes, just try to limit how much time you spend around them. For instance, you might take your lunch break at a different time, or you might move to a desk on the opposite side of the room.
Consider storing digital photos on a USB device that you can pack away in a box. That way, if the day comes when looking through them won’t be as painful, you’ll still have them somewhere. However, once you transfer them, delete the originals off your phone or hard drive.
It can also help to write out a list of positive qualities about yourself. You can refer back to this whenever you’re feeling down. [8] X Expert Source Katie StyzekProfessional School Counselor Expert Interview. 25 November 2020.
It can sometimes help to turn to a family member when you’re having trouble with friends. [11] X Expert Source Katie StyzekProfessional School Counselor Expert Interview. 25 November 2020. You might talk to a parent or grandparent with more life experience, though any family member can be an enormous comfort. If you are really having trouble moving on it can be helpful to deal with these feelings in a professional setting. A trained therapist will be able to listen to your perspective of what went wrong in the friendship and help you learn from any mistakes.
Avoid the temptation to talk badly about your old friend. This will only make you look bad. Not only that, but chances are someone will tell your former friend what you said, and it could damage any chance you have to be friends again in the future.
Staying busy is especially helpful if you used to spend a lot of time with your friend and now you have a lot of extra free time on your hands. If you need more of a distraction, try diving into a new hobby, like signing up for yoga, cooking, or dance lessons. [14] X Research source
Remember, you only get so much time in life. Try to look forward, rather than trying to hang onto relationships that aren’t working for you. [17] X Expert Source Adam Dorsay, PsyDLicensed Psychologist Expert Interview. 11 April 2019. Think about what might not have worked in the friendship that ended. Then, use that insight to help you choose new friends who will work better with your personality. [18] X Research source
When you think back, you might still be able to appreciate a show they introduced you to or smile when you think about a fun concert you went to together.
