Coping with end of friendship..

When you have to cope with the end of a friendship, it's difficult. You'll feel pain, betrayal, and a range of other emotions. However, it is important to go through these emotions, and after that, pick yourself up and move on. It's certainly a challenge to cope with the end of a friendship, but sometimes it is necessary...and in many cases, can make you stronger.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Step 1
   First, accept that the friendship is over. You will not be able to cope with the end of a friendship until you accept the end of the friendship. Take some time to think about the end of the friendship, even if it hurts. Think through the things that lead up to it, and tell yourself that the friendship is over, whether you like it or not.
   
2. Step 2
   Allow yourself to feel the emotions that you need to feel. Accept that you'll feel anger, grief, sadness and other emotions. Those emotions are perfectly normal. Allow yourself the time that you need to heal. Not allowing yourself to heal immediately will allow the pain to resurface unnecessarily later.
   
3. Step 3
   Talk to friends who understand your situation. Speaking to impartial friends is best, if possible. And, if you can, keep the former friend's name out of the discussion. This discussion is intended to act as therapy, not gossip.
   
   It's also good to speak to friends who have been in the same situation and have experienced the ending of a friendship. You can share the emotions you are feeling, which can help with the healing process.
   
4. Step 4
   When the situation arises and you need to discuss the end of the friendship with mutual friends, be respectful. You may feel angry and betrayed, but others may not, and may still speak with the other person. It's okay to note that you and the other person are no longer continuing a friendship, and to share your side of the story, but keep it light.
   
5. Step 5
   If you need to rant to a friend, go for it. However, make sure to rant to a friend who you can trust and will understand your situation. It's natural to want to discuss the situation, but if you do so, do it with a friend who won't repeat what you say, and will understand that you are ranting, not gossiping. Essentially, go ahead and release your anger, but do it in an appropriate venue.
   
6. Step 6
   Hang out with friends. Spending time with great friends will distract you from the emotions that weigh heavily on your mind. Plus, real friends will boost you up and help you to feel great. Spend some quality time with some quality people. Enjoy silly things like good food, good movies and good games...great friends will make these even more enjoyable.
   
7. Step 7
   Keep yourself busy. Do things that you already enjoy, or pick up a new hobby. Before you know it, you'll be so engrossed in what you're doing that you won't even notice the gap that opened up in your circle of friends. Activities like joining classes or clubs are great because you'll gain a hobby and make new friends.
   
8. Step 8
   Keep a positive mindset, even when it's tough. When you cope with the end of a friendship, you may feel negative. However, focus on the positive - there's a reason that friendship ended, and you learned a lesson. And, you now have an opportunity to make new friends. Tomorrow is a brand new day, and you're going to enjoy it!