I don’t stalk my ex-boyfriend on social media, I stalk my ex-friends.
Not all the time, just occasionally when they pop into my head or when I see an old photo, or when I hear along the grapevine that they’re married, in a new job, or moving interstate.
I just have a peek… a little check in. A low-level stalk.
Katy Perry features in Taylor Swift’s new film clip now that they’re friends again. Post continues after video.
In many ways losing a friendship is so much more confusing and painful than losing a romantic relationship.
There’s a tried and tested method for losing love: tears, carbs and hitting one too many dance floors with friends.
It’s a big deal when your romantic lover dumps you. Everyone is there with the condolences and the margaritas.
But when a friendship breaks down there’s no fanfare. Friends don’t flock to your house with icecream and wine with the same kind of urgency. They don’t sit with you and hold you as you do that sucking in breath type of cry that leaves you winded, and wounded.
There’s no real conclusive end point in the form of a breakup sob-fest or a re-launch ‘here’s my new haircut’ that is the trope of every chick-flick.
Or maybe it’s just that you flounder along through the similar steps of grieving, and it’s just people don’t talk about it as much or recognise that it can be just as life altering.
Top Comments
I, very regretfully, was the cause of my friendship breakups.
I was a liar, fuelled by low self esteem, insecurity and jealousy.
Back then I thought that I was a good friend but no, I realise now that I wasn't. I didn't have a clue what it meant to be a friend. I didn't appreciate what I had.
People can change, evolve into better people. I think I can say that about myself. I've changed and hopefully for the better.
I absolutely regret my lost friendships. I wish I'd been a better friend, a better everything. But you live and learn I guess. And today I definitely try to instill in my children to be compassionate, to be kind, to have empathy and to appreciate the friends that they have. One good friend is worth a pot of gold.
Losing a friendship is hard and that pain stays with you for YEARS. I had a best friend from 16-25 and then we had a falling out over her behaviour and it's been hard ever since. I think of her all the time, and even though I was the one who finally "cracked it" I miss her greatly and would be there in a heartbeat if she ever called. We always used to say we were each others "person" (hello Cristina and Meredith) and now not having my person is really upsetting, constantly.