by Patricia Watson

Created on: January 12, 2010

When a good friendship dies, it takes a huge emotional toll on both people involved. It does not matter what caused the estrangement. If the friendship is going to be repaired, someone will have to make the first conciliatory move.

Never take your friendships for granted. The bond between two people, who are not blood relatives, can be a fragile thing. If you find yourself with one less friend, try and figure out why the estrangement has happened. There may have been an argument, or possibly jealousy has entered into your friendship. It may be one huge problem or a build up of small annoyances. What ever the reason for the separation, one of you will need to make the first step to reconciliation.

Life is too short to lose a friend. Don't let petty spats or differences turn your friendship into dust. Like any relationship, it takes work to keep a friendship alive and vital. If you are the one who needs to apologize, don't let your pride get in the way.  Telling someone that you are sorry can be a refreshing thing to do. Even if you feel you are not in the wrong, you may have to accept some of the blame for the rift.

Try not to get angry, if your friend does not seem receptive to repairing the friendship. Let them know that you value them and miss them in your life. It may take time for certain wounds to heal. Leave your door and your heart open and ready to accept your friend back into your life.

There are many reasons why friendships become estranged. Other people have a knack for trying to put a wedge between best friends. They do this out of jealousy. Don't listen to gossip about your friend. If someone tells you a bothersome fact about your friend, go directly to your friend for clarification. This will prevent misunderstandings and needless separation.

Making friends and keeping them, means accepting them for who they are. You have to take the good qualities with the bad. Always try and talk through your differences of opinion. You are two unique individuals, with a right to speak your own minds. This only becomes a problem if you decide to argue over petty things that don't really matter.

Repairing friendship estrangements is as easy as reaching out in love. Don't let months or years pass before you try and rekindle your friendship.  The time to mend an estrangement is when it happens.

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