How Ending a Friendship Can Be as Devastating as a Romantic Breakup
By [Your Name]
[Respectable News Website] – [Date]
A woman reveals that breaking up with her best friend of 11 years was one of the most challenging experiences she has ever faced, even more so than a romantic split. The aftermath of the friendship ended up leaving her seeking therapy, highlighting the profound impact a friendship breakup can have on one’s mental health.
The Unforeseen Difficulty of a Friendship Breakup
Sabrina Kirberg, a mental health counselor from NYC, opens up about the profound grief she experienced when her long-term, close friendship abruptly ended. She describes going through the stages of grief, revealing that the process was much more complex and emotionally challenging than expected.
The Five Stages of Friendship Breakup
Sabrina explains how the breakup of a friendship can parallel the stages of grief typically associated with the loss of a loved one. According to her, denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance were all part of her journey toward healing.
Signs of Drifting Apart
Reflecting on the course of her friendship, Sabrina points out that as the years went by, she and her friend began to have more frequent arguments and built up a sense of resentment. She also mentions feeling left out when her friend started spending more time with other people.
The Final Straw and Ghosting
The tension between Sabrina and her friend reached a breaking point during a heated argument over Sabrina’s partner. Sabrina attempted to reconcile and communicate, seeking a resolution, but her friend chose to cut off contact entirely, opting for the painful silence of ghosting. Sabrina admits that the absence of closure, along with the ultimate rejection, intensified her emotional distress.
Avoiding the Stereotype of “Just Moving On”
Sabrina highlights the misconception that the end of a friendship should be easier to navigate than a romantic breakup. Society often encourages people to lean on their support system, indulge in self-care, and move forward swiftly. However, Sabrina’s experience reveals that the emotional impact of a friendship breakup can be deep-rooted and long-lasting.
The Importance of Processing and Therapy
Sabrina emphasizes the significance of seeking therapy to aid in processing the emotional fallout caused by the loss of a cherished friendship. Through therapy, she learned to love and care for herself, recognizing that she does not need another person to feel complete. Sabrina encourages acknowledging and allowing oneself to experience the full range of emotions that accompany such a loss, rather than suppressing them.
Breaking the silence surrounding Friendship Breakups
Sabrina’s story shines a light on the profound impact friendship breakups can have on one’s overall well-being. by sharing her experiences, she hopes to encourage discussion and destigmatize the emotional challenges associated with the loss of a close friend.
