Sadly, sometimes people grow apart or realize they’re incompatible.
Friendships are undeniably important, but friends may not always be a part of our lives.
Likewise, different reactions can follow the loss of a cherished companion in your life.
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We’ll dig into the reasons friendships may fail, and the appropriate ways to handle losing a friend.
Why Friendships End
Friends arent just comfortable company during social events or support systems during trying times.
There are different reasons why a friendship might come to an end.
These scenarios are discussed below.
You Outgrow Each Other
Under normal circumstances, a friendship usually begins with innocent intentions.
Friendships are unlikely to demand too much and are based on people who purely enjoy the company of others.
However, as the saying goes,20 friends cannot play for 20 years.
There are times when companions grow out of each other.
Sometimes, the interests that started off the relationship are unable to sustain it.
A world where everyone thinks and feels the same thing will appear monotonous and dull.
With friends, the same principle applies.
Friendships teach an accommodation of different belief systems.
They are one of the first points whereconflict resolutionis handled practically.
While differences are encouraged, however, there are some disagreements that may not be resolved so easily.
Likewise, where abetrayal takes place, the friendship may be unable to survive the pain.
Distance Complicates Things
Some of the beauty of friendship is found in doing things together.
But with everyday life comes everyday complications.
Moving away for work, marriage,travel, and other reasons can put a strain on the friendship.
Expectations Might Change
Friendships come in different forms.
There may below-maintenance connections, where friends are happy to communicate and catch up every once in a while.
If this kind of friendship ends, it may not hurt so much.
Other times, friendships may be more intense.
Here, friends are in constant communication and are usual fixtures in each others lives.
When friends have set expectations from their peers, this can create some tension.
The pairing of low and high maintenance friends may be difficult.
Where expectations constantly clash, this can bring an end to the friendship.
How to Cope With Losing A Friend
The value of a friend can be immeasurable.
This social connection is so important, it can assist with life preservation in old age.
When you lose a friend, the pain can cut deep.
To manage this loss, here are a few steps to take.
This can mean a significant period of mourning the happy times, which can be unhealthy for well-being.
Letting yourself feel the impact of a lost friend is admirable and even advisable.
However, this should not become the status quo.
Spend time with these friends, andnurture your relationship.
Now is a great time to take stock of how to grow your friendship.
Seeking expert guidancecan help with navigating the hurt and changes that will follow life without your friend.
Keep in Mind
Losing a good friend is one of the most challenging situations to steer.
This is why friendship breakups can feel like an unexpected pain in your gut.
Likewise, expert advice can help with managing and overcoming the challenges of a lost friend.
2019;3(1):igz005.
Published 2019 Mar 30. doi:10.1093/geroni/igz005
