by Ann E. Smith

Created on: May 01, 2009

Friendships are truly precious, yet they sometimes do not stand the test of time. Friendships almost always start as fun and exciting, but there are many things that can stress a friendship.

Like any relationship, they require a great deal of work and compromise. Sometimes they get broken, and that can be truly devastating.

Dealing with a broken friendship is tough, and it can be like dealing with the death of a loved one. Below are some tips on how to deal with a severed friendship.

* Allow yourself time to grieve.

Friendships are important parts of your life. They often last for years, and you rely on your friends for all kinds of things: companionship, laughs and support.

Real friendships are built on trust, and a strong emotional bond develops. When that trust is violated or that bond is shattered, it is painful.

It can be devastating, and you need to allow yourself time to grieve. During this time, you may feel all kinds of emotions, including anger. That is completely normal, as grieving has many stages.

While grieving, try to stay busy with simple tasks. Go on walks. Focus on your work. You need to get through each day, as you spend some time processing what has happened.

* Give it some space.

When a friendship is broken, it may or may not be beyond repair. Time is needed for both parties to cope with the situation and to sort through some raw emotions.

When a friendship is first broken, give it some space. You need to distance yourself from that friend. It can be very difficult, especially if this is someone you shared your thoughts and time with, and on a frequent basis.

No matter how difficult it is, you must try to accept what has happened. There may be some hope for the friendship, but not right now.

* Seek support from others.

When a friendship ends, you are very vulnerable to loneliness and self-doubt. Seek support from others who care about you.

Try not to badmouth your former friend, though, no matter how upset you are. Even if this person has betrayed you, which is terrible, you will be better off to take the high road when talking to others.

You can honor the friendship that was, and that reflects well on you. This does not mean you have to be a martyr. When discussing what happened, you can stick to the facts and try not to elaborate.

What happened is really the business of you and your former friend. Remember that other people may be well intended, but they often like to hear drama as long as it is not their drama. They may then be tempted to repeat it,

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