7 Things You Learn From Breaking Up With A Friend

We all know breaking up is hard to do, but breaking up can be even harder when it's with your best friend. Losing someone you've been friends with for years, who may have known you since high school, and who has been there through all of your romantic breakups, can be even more painful than losing a romantic partner. Unfortunately, some people aren't meant to be best friends forever and, like romantic relationships, there are usually tell-tale signs that you should end a friendship.

Whether it's a toxic friendship, you've grown apart, or you just aren't compatible anymore, coming to terms with losing someone close to you can be a difficult task, especially since said friend isn't there to help you through it. You may have accepted that it's time to move on and have already come up with a strategy to break up with your friend as amicably as possible. But, that doesn't make it hurt any less. Fortunately, breaking up with a friend isn't all bad. There is a lot you can learn from ending a friendship. Here are some valuable lessons breaking up with a friend can teach you.

1. People Change

People change their interests, jobs, and style all the time, so it's no surprise that these changes can alter peoples' personalities. Unfortunately, your friend's personality may have just changed in a way that's not compatible with your personality anymore. Don't be upset that they are no longer who you thought they once were — they may even be happier the way they are now. And just because you're not friends anymore doesn't mean you can't still care about their happiness.

2. Who You Were Then May Not Be Who You Are Now

Just like how your friend has changed, you may have too. You may not be the same person you were when you and your friend became besties, and that's OK. This breakup can even teach you about your new changes. Did you handle this friend breakup more maturely than the last one? That's because you've grown.

3. Being Alone Isn't As Scary As You Think

After a relationship ends, some people worry that they will be alone forever. This notion applies to friend breakups as well. But, with all the newfound time on your hands that you're not spending with your friend, you can try new things that your friend wasn't interested in. You may even realize that you actually enjoy spending time by yourself.

4. Your Happiness Is Important

You and your friend broke up for a reason and that reason probably has something to do with you or your friend's unhappiness in the friendship. Now that the friendship is over, you will be able to find happiness in your life beyond that relationship. Believe it or not, you can be happy without that friend. In fact, if your friendship truly run its course, you will most likely find that you're happier without them.

5. Nothing Lasts Forever

Yes, you and your friend may have insisted that you would be best friends forever, and you probably both meant it, but nothing withstands the never-ending test of time. Except maybe those friendship bracelets that are still somehow tied around your wrist after what must be years. It's time to cut the ties.

6. There Will Always Be Other Friends

Sure, the friend you broke up with may have been the one you considered to be your friend above all other friends, but it may have also been an unhealthy relationship. Chances are, you have other friends that you can turn to. These friendships might even be healthier and happier ones that will become stronger from this breakup. It's also the perfect time to get out there and make new friends.

7. You Are Your Own Best Friend

Think about it. Your friendship may have been a long one, but the longest relationship you will ever have is with yourself. Breaking up with your friend will teach you more about yourself and what you want from your relationships with other people. After the end of a relationship, it's important to take care of yourself. Be the best friend to yourself that you wanted your friend to be to you.

People grow up and apart, and sometimes friendships have to end as a result. Breaking up with your friend doesn't make you a bad person, it just means that you and your friend aren't the same people you once were, and that may be a good thing. Reflect on your friendship, learn from it, and continue to grow.

Image Credit: praetorianphoto/E+/Getty Images, Giphy