
As a teen, it can be hard to cope with the idea of a friend “break up.” There can be many reasons why you are needing to distance yourself from a friendship but you may not know exactly how to navigate it. That’s why in this blog, a teen therapist in Atlanta, GA will go over how to navigate the end of a friendship and why it is okay to do so.
Reflect On the Reasons For the Change in Your Relationship
When you are needing to distance yourself from a friendship, it is important to take some time and reflect on the reason why. Think about your friendship and if there is something specific that has caused a strain or if it might be because you have outgrown the friendship. For example, if you and your friend have been together for a long time, it could be that your paths are changing and leading you in different directions. As a teen, our interests and passions may differ from what we were interested in at a younger age.
If you are having trouble reflecting on the relationship, it may be helpful to write down your thoughts and feelings in a journal. This way you can get them out instead of keeping them bottled up. It will also be easier to reflect when you have written down your thoughts.
Communicate Openly and Honestly With Your Friend About Your Feelings
Once you have had time to reflect on what may be causing the change in your relationship, it is important to communicate openly and honestly with your friend about your feelings. It’s important to express yourself clearly and respectfully. It’s equally important to listen to their perspective.
For instance, if you have outgrown the friendship, it can be helpful to tell your friend that while you may no longer have the same things in common, you still value the friendship and want to be supportive of one another. Listen actively to their response, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. This will show them that you respect their thoughts and feelings while also allowing them to express themselves.
Be Prepared for the Possibility of The Friendship Ending
Going into this conversation, it is important to be prepared for the possibility of the friendship ending. It’s important to remember that not all friendships last forever and that it’s okay if it does end. It’s okay to move on from friendships that no longer serve you or are not beneficial to you. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t stay connected in some way. If both parties are open to it, you can still be supportive of each other from a distance, like keeping in touch on social media or meeting up occasionally.
Seek Support From Other Friends, Family Members, or a Therapist
Ending friendships can be difficult and emotional. Sometimes having support from other friends, family members, or a therapist can help you process the end of the friendship and move forward in a positive way. For example, a teen therapist can help you gain insight into the situation, provide strategies to cope with the change in your relationship, and help you build healthier friendships in the future. A therapist can also help you cope with the lingering emotions associated with the end of a friendship such as guilt, sadness, and loneliness. They can provide tools to help you build self-confidence and create boundaries when needed.
Remember That The End of a Friendship is Not a Failure
One of the most important things to learn from this experience is that it’s not a failure if a friendship ends. Ending a friendship is not always a bad thing. It is a part of life, and it can be a chance for growth and learning.
It’s important to remember that friendships come in many shapes and sizes, and it’s important to find friends that fit your needs and interests. You will find new friends that better fit you, so don’t be afraid to seek them out. For instance, you can join clubs and groups in your school or community that interest you.
Don’t Burn the Bridge
If you think you and the individual can still interact in a friendly way, try to maintain a cordial relationship. It can be helpful to thank your friend for the time you spent together and for the memories. This way you can keep the bridge intact, as you never know how your relationship may shift in the future. For example, you can take a break from each other and then come back together in the future as new friends or acquaintances. It’s important to stay open-minded and try to remain positive about the situation.
Ending a friendship can be difficult because it encompasses a new transition in your life. It is important to remember that it’s not a failure, and it can be a chance for growth and learning. Friendship is important but if a friendship is no longer serving you, it’s important to take care of yourself and prioritize your mental health.
Begin in Teen Counseling in Atlanta, GA
Being a teenager is hard enough without having to navigate through the difficult emotions that come with ending a friendship. This is why our therapists at Wellview Counseling are here to help. They can provide the understanding and empathetic support for teens as they go through this difficult process. If you’re interested in starting therapy:
- Contact Wellview Counseling
- Meet with Our Therapists
- Navigate a Friendship “Breakup” with Understanding & Support!
Other Therapy Services Offered at Wellview Counseling
Teens are transitioning into adulthood, and many face new hurdles they must jump. Our therapists at Wellview Counseling can provide understanding and support as teens navigate these new experiences. We offer individual counseling, child counseling, teen counseling, family counseling, postpartum depression and anxiety counseling, trauma and PTSD treatment, and therapy for those with a chronic illness. Regardless of the challenge you face, our therapists are here to help. Our office is in Roswell, GA, but we also offer online therapy to anyone in Georgia. If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment please feel welcome to reach out to us!
About the Author
Ashley Bobo is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Roswell, GA. She has worked with individuals in a variety of settings and is passionate about providing understanding, empathetic support to help young adults and teens take back control of their life. Ashley is committed to helping individuals and families find lasting change through her therapy services. For more information about Ashley and her practice, please visit Wellview Counseling.
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