Embracing the Evolution of Friendships: Normalizing Endings and Celebrating New Connections

Friendships are an essential part of life, offering us companionship, understanding, and shared experiences. As we navigate the complexities and hardships of adulting, it's crucial to acknowledge that both the natural endings of old friendships and the initiation of new friendships is not only normal but super important for our mental health and wellbeing. We talk alot about romantic relationships ending but not so much friendships, however they happen all the time and can be very painful.

We make friends at different life stages and we can outgrow our friends as our values and priorities change as our life evolves or our geographical locations shift. This can impact the dynamics of  friendships and they may no longer be fulfilling or a good use of our time anymore. However there can be an underlying expectation that we remain friends with people for life. This expectation often leaves people remaining friends long after the relationship doesn’t feel great or their common interests have run out. 

It’s important to check in with yourself around your friendships if they aren’t feeling quite right, regardless of how many years of history exists. Do you ever see certain friends out of obligation and then feel resentful? Have a date coming up with a friend and you feel dread? 

Maybe you have a one sided friendship and your needs are no longer being met. Maybe you have a friend who benefits from the unhealed parts of you such as a lack of boundaries or maybe your energies just no longer mesh. These can be very painful realizations to come to. 

What do do if you come to a realization like this?

Acknowledging when a relationship becomes unhealthy or toxic is a courageous act of self-care.

Set boundaries with friends, that if you do not feel respected by them they lose access to you.

Decide if you want to have the conversation to share how you feel and give them a chance to make it right or if you just want to end the friendship. How they respond is how you will know what to do next. You don’t need to keep people in your life that you wish you could cancel everytime you are supposed to hang out. 

Sometimes a friendship ending is the best thing that you can do for yourself and the other person to allow space for those we are more aligned with. It's healthy to accept and normalize the natural ebb and flow of friendships, understanding that these changes don't diminish the value of the connection at one time. As commonly said, some people come into our lives for a reason or a season, not always a lifetime.

Reach out to us if you would like to see one of our Therapists. Let's BE REAL TOGETHER

~ Laura, Clinical Therapist Call (506) 651-1239 or BOOK ONLINE