The Silver Lining Of Losing Friendships Is That You’re Presented With Opportunities For Growth And Reflection
One of the most devastating things a person can experience is losing a friend. The loss of a friend has the power to transform someone’s life completely, and it’s easy to fall into a deep depression when you and a friend decide to call it quits or unexpectedly end your friendship.
I know I’ve felt the horrible pain of losing a friend, and I’ve seen people of all ages go through it, too.
No matter how old you get or how many friends you make along your journey, losing one that you loved and were vulnerable with can wreck you.
However, in these circumstances, it’s important to remember that there’s still a silver lining, even if it seems extra difficult to find.
So, what is the silver lining of losing a friend?
The silver lining is that once you lose a friendship, you’re presented with opportunities for growth and reflection.
When we lose a friend, a lot of reflection happens. We may ask ourselves, “What just happened?” or instantly begin reflecting on every single experience we’ve had with that friend, reminiscing on the good times and wondering where things went downhill.
Then, there’s something else we should reflect on – what could I have done better as a friend?
Even if the friendship ended because of something out of your control, it’s still an opportunity to figure out how you prefer to function as a friend and the other ways you can show up and do better.
Jacob Lund – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only, not the actual person
For instance, did your friend get frustrated with you because you had poor communication skills? Did you get frustrated with your friend because you envied the things they had?
Additionally, you can reflect on the things you needed from your former friend that you didn’t receive.
For example, did your friend not show you enough affection or set aside enough time to see you? Did they make you feel bad about yourself instead of lifting you up?
Reflecting on these things can help you become a better friend to other people in your life. It’ll also help you look for people who would make more suitable friends so you don’t waste your time or energy on a friendship that doesn’t serve you.
Another thing about losing a friend that could be considered a silver lining is you’ll have a bit more time and room in your heart for the other people in your life.
Just because that one friend didn’t want to stick around doesn’t mean there aren’t others in your life who love and care about you.
Instead of staying stuck in the past and making yourself feel terrible about this lost friendship, focus on growing and spending more time with other friends in your life. Make more time and space for them and make those relationships stronger.
Again, I know how much losing a friend hurts, but the longer you beat yourself up about it or focus on the past, the harder it’ll be to move on. Focus on these silver linings and take care of yourself.
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