How To Don't forget a friend who means a lot to you.
Some friends won't last forever.Friends may end for a variety of reasons.Losing a friend can be difficult.There are a number of ways to move forward after the loss of a loved one.
Step 1: The blame game should not be played.
It is bad to assign blame.Both you and your former friend may have been at fault for the dissolution of your friendship, but you are not in control of each other's thoughts, feelings, choices, or actions.Understanding that both you and your friend have roles to play in the ending of your friendship is important and will help you to consider the potential reasons for the end of the friendship from both your point of view and from your former friend.
Step 2: You have to work through your negative emotions.
You may feel anger, guilt, sadness, or grief over the loss of your friend.This is normal.It is important to process and work through these feelings on your own or with the help of a mental health professional.Writing about your feelings is one way to work through your emotions.
Step 3: Allow yourself to go through the emotions.
When faced with a loss, you may feel a range of emotions.Allowing yourself to process these feelings and understand where they come from is important.Think about if this is bringing up something in your past that could affect how you feel.
Step 4: Why do you feel the way you do?
Do you not see the person?Do you still get the support from your former friend?Do you miss the things you used to do with your friends?Understanding why you feel the way you do is the first step in coming to terms with your emotions.
Step 5: Allow yourself to feel as though you need to.
Don't try to block out the negative emotions that come with the dissolution of your friendship.Temporarily sitting with the pain will allow you to heal.For an extended period of time, avoid dwelling on these feelings.It will only drag you down if you feel down on yourself and ponder over your emotions for months on end.
Step 6: Understand that it takes time to heal.
You must be patient in order to heal from this loss.Rushing through your natural process will not resolve your feelings properly.You may have trouble letting your guard down initially.This is fine.
Step 7: People change and grow.
When you met your friend, they were the same person as you were, but you are not.Changes in interests can cause disagreements between friends.Understanding that this is a normal fact of life will help you accept the end of your friendship.Do you remember who you were when you met your former friend?When you met your former friend, remember who he was.Think about why you became friends with this person.Think about who you are now.How have you changed since you were friends?Who is your former friend now?How has he changed?From the time you met until your friendship ended, write down the significant changes you and your friend experienced.Understand that change is inevitable when you read over your lists.It is possible that you are no longer compatible with your former friend because they have both changed.Accepting and understanding this fact will help you move on.
Step 8: Accept that your friendship has ended.
Acceptance is an important step in moving forward with your life.Accepting the situation means that you have made peace with it and are no longer tormenting yourself with what-ifs, details of the dissolution that cannot be changed, or negative emotions.For future friendship, view your friendship as a learning experience.You should note what worked, what didn't, and how you want to form relationships moving forward.
Step 9: You have control over some things.
What-ifs and moments that cannot be changed are what you will dwell on if you focus on the actions of others.Try to use your time and energy on your own actions.If you focus on your choices and actions, you will be able to live in the present.Acknowledging and working through your emotions, acting with kindness and generosity toward others, and spending time with your other friends and family members are examples of personal actions and choices you can focus upon.
Step 10: Don't talk to your friend.
You will be able to gain distance from the person, which will allow you to spend more time with your friend.You are less likely to think about your friend when you stop interacting with them.No negative interactions between the two of you will come to fruition if you stop all contact with your former friend.It's possible to cut off contact with your former friend by blocking their phone number, ignoring and/or deletion emails, not returning text messages, and avoiding them in face-to-face situations.
Step 11: You can distract yourself from your loss by doing an activity.
If you are looking for a short-term distraction, you can either go shopping, see a movie, or walk.If you think you need a longer activity, you might consider taking up a hobby or donating your time to help others.If you don't fill your time in a positive way, you will not be able to channel your energy and emotions.Activities you might enjoy include, but are not limited to: Dancing Making music Reading Exercising Playing a sport Undertaking an art project Volunteering your time at a charity organization Mentoring someone else.
Step 12: You can learn how to be your own friend.
Learning about yourself and accepting yourself is what being your own friend is all about.Speak kindly to yourself and find solo activities that make you feel good.You might enjoy hiking alone.Make a plan for achieving your goals.Don't make your former friend jealous or try to get attention from them by setting these goals.
Step 13: You should spend time caring for yourself.
Time is needed to process the dissolution of your friendship.You need to make sure that you are taking care of yourself.Make sure that you are eating properly, getting enough rest, working through your emotions in a healthy manner, and not isolating yourself.Sometimes you have to put yourself first.Seeking out the company of friends and family is one way to improve your well-being.
Step 14: It's best to keep it in a trustworthy friend or family member.
You will hurt yourself in the long run if you keep your feelings bottled up.You should talk about your feelings with someone you know, love, and trust, even if you don't want to reestablish communication with your former friend.Through listening, your friend or family member can offer you support and love.The impact of your loss can be lessened by your friend or family member.
Step 15: New friends.
Instead of trying to hang onto the past, be open to finding new friends that fit where you are in your life right now.As you get to know new people, you should know what qualities you are looking for in a friend.Positive qualities can be found in the people you are befriending.You can make new friends by talking to a stranger in line at the grocery store, talk to the barista at your local coffee shop about your interests, and meet people online through social networking sites.
Step 16: If the loss is too large for you to process alone, talk to a mental health professional.
Mental health professionals listen and don't make judgments.If you need to vent to someone, or if you feel that the loss of your friend has created a severe imbalance of emotions for you, please do not hesitate to seek help.You don't have to go through this alone.
Step 17: A pet can be adopted.
An animal can't replace your former friend, but it can help you reconcile the loss you have experienced by forming a new and important bond with an animal.Studies show that owning a pet can lead to lower stress levels, better psychological health, and emotional support.It would be a pro for someone who is dealing with the loss of a close friend to have all of these benefits.