How to Overcome a Failed Friendship
Broken friendships are hard for everyone. However, despite the initial feelings of pain, it is possible to move on. By not dwelling on the past and wondering what people should or shouldn't have done, you can take charge of your life and create a better present. After ending a friendship, strengthen current ones and build stronger relationships in the future.
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Instructions
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End the friendship on good terms, if possible. Talk to the person if the friendship ended on bad terms. Avoid communicating through text or email. Resolve issues and be frank with your feelings. Discuss why the friendship ended and what both parties failed to do to maintain it. Wish your friend well and thank him for the time that you had together.
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Grieve for your friendship. Express your emotions in a journal or with another friend or family member. Channel your grief in a healthy manner through music or exercise. Do not be afraid to cry and express sadness. Releasing emotions is a necessary step to healing.
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Move on with your life. Discard pictures of you and your friend, if you feel upset when looking at them. Delete pictures from social networking sites. Place photos and memories in a box, if you do not want to throw these items away. Go to new places and explore new opportunities with other people. Avoid going to places where your friend will be until you are strong enough to overcome feelings of sadness.
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Learn from your mistakes. Contemplate what you could have done to make the friendship better. Keep your present friendships and build new ones. Apply what you have learned to your present relationships.
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Spend time with other friends and family members. This will reduce the amount of time you spend alone and thinking of the past. Participate in outings and activities. Spend time outside, if the weather permits.
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Forgive your friend, no matter how angry you are. Be grateful for the time that you had together and the lessons that you learned from each other. Avoid dwelling on future or past scenarios. If you are loving, you will attract more loving friendships.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep email addresses and phone numbers if you wish to contact your friend in the future.
Seek counseling if you are experiencing deep pain and it is difficult to move on.
Do not threaten your friend with revenge.
Do not attempt to heal wounds with drugs, alcohol or other harmful activities.
Do not gossip or say negative things about your friend.
Do not obsessively try to contact your friend.
References
Resources
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