Well, ladies and gentlemen, you have come to the right place. I have been through many friends -- mainly due to my moving around when I was in school, and other circumstances where issues were unresolvable. It does not lessen the pain, however, when another one is slowly slipping away from you. No matter how many times you have gone through friends, it still hurts, because you think they are one of the only constant things in your life. This is true for some, and not for others. In my mind, it hurts worse than a break-up because your friends know everything about you, and even the things you do not tell your significant other. You spend quality time with them just being yourself and you do not have to look pretty or smile all the time. You can talk about gross things, bring them on adventures, and you do not feel like you are burdening them with your problems if you just vent.
True friends are hard to come by, and hard to keep. Life gets in the way. You are going to different schools, moved to a different state, or didn’t really even realize you were falling out. Guys usually do not put their relationships with their significant others first, so it’s not such a big problem, but girls do. I have lost many a girl best friend to her shiny, new boyfriend. So, here’s how experiences have taught me to cope with the worst break-up ever: losing a friend.
1. Do not smother them.
At this point, it’s usually pointless and annoying to the person. If they somehow find themselves down your way, they have realized what a great friend they have lost, and if not? Always be there for them. Five years down the road they could text you and need to just vent like the good old days, and you can reminisce.
2. Do not go on a rampage and get rid of everything.
You may be mad now, but after a while and you’ve calmed down, you’ll realize that those pictures in your phone, notes, and gifts, are a part of your life that you will want to keep. Good or bad ending. You were happy at those moments, and you should remember them.
3. It’s OK to grieve over your former friend.
Yes, you had amazing adventures, and countless funny stories. The thing that always gets me, is how they used to make me laugh. It was like both of your senses of humor complimented each other, and you could just look at the other person and die laughing.
4. Go out!
Just do it. You may not want to leave your room, and some days that is OK, but you need to go out every once in a while! Always say yes when someone invites you to a party or an event. This way you can meet new people, and maybe even your potential new best friend.
5. Make it a point to talk to people that you are acquaintances with.
These are the people you make sassy comments in class to and they laugh, but you’ve never actually sat down and talked to them. They are made out of friend material! I swear, they probably already think you are cool, you just have to make the first move.
6. Always remember your friend and let them know you are there if they need you.
You both may not have ended on great terms, but good lord, you spent nearly every day with them throughout high school, or for a couple years. That is time you can never get back, and at the end of the day you don’t regret it. They helped you grow into yourself, and you should at least give them credit for it. Mentally thank them for their friendship, and move on with them in a place for safe-keeping.
