Losing friends is a tough thing for anyone to go through, especially if you planned on having that person in your life for a while. I know I've lost my fair share of friends. These are some tips that can help you get over losing friends.
1. Realize that people are entitled to their own happiness.
You may have been fine with them in your life, but you never know what role you played in theirs. If anyone is unhappy in a relationship, it is their right to leave. Yes, it is upsetting, but you wouldn't want your freedom to leave to be revoked for the sake of someone else. Sometimes, no matter how badly you want things to work, they won't. Maybe revisit things in the future but if someone feels the need to cut you off for the sake of their happiness, it is their right to do so.
2. Focus on yourself.
It is extremely easy to get selfish in relationships and focus solely on yourself. No matter how selfless you claim to be, at the end of the day, you're ultimately looking out for yourself. It is only right to accept the same of others. And there is nothing wrong with taking care of yourself first. It'll be beneficial for you to realize that people need to focus on themselves as well.
3. Don't dwell on the past.
Don't drown yourself in an eternal river full of memories. Delete the pictures. A lot of people will take this as being petty, but I see it as a measure of moving on. You're distancing yourself from a hurtful situation, which is normal. But it becomes a problem when you cling onto the past and inhibit your self-growth. The future can offer up so much more, but you'll never see it if you're still holding onto a lost cause.
4. Be strong.
Resist that urge to text, "I miss you." There's nothing wrong with thinking about another person and missing them. It just means you still care. But texting them after they've explained why they want to cut things off will only slash open the wound again, but this time it'll hurt even more because you've duped yourself into thinking that maybe there's hope. Just leave it be, and if it's meant to happen, it'll happen.
5. Do not manipulate.
Do not, I repeat, do not try to manipulate or guilt trip people into staying in a relationship with you. This applies to friendships as well. Not only will you be hurting the other person who obviously wants a break from you, but you will also be hurting yourself in the long run. Why? Because that person will only remain in your life because they feel bad. That's not a healthy relationship to have with either party. Besides, it's just not right. If people want to leave, let them.
Losing friends is something we all go through, whether we intend for it to happen or not. It's a process that requires pain, healing, and time. Keep your options open and don't get discouraged if someone no longer wants you in their life.
