But what about when thebreakups involve ourfriends?

But like romantic relationships, friendships can also run their course.

She sayspeople-pleasersoften realize this as they go through therapy.

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Breaking up with friends is also downrightchallenging.

Plus, friends may be offended.

Platonic breakups can also cause feelings of sadness, guilt, and even grief to arise.

Two people’s legs touch under a table as they work on their laptops.

psychotherapist and mental health educator

losing a spouse or family member).

However, we shouldexpect a grieving process, even if we were on the initiating end.

Breaking off toxic or unsatisfactory friendships can also help reduce our stress and anxiety.

Books on grief are seen floating against a backdrop of clouds.

it’s possible for you to focus on your own wants and desires again, says Dr. Lee.

Yes, confronting a friend can be nerve-racking.

But thankfully, we can initiate platonic breakups while being assertiveandrespectful towards the other person.

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Heres how experts recommend handling that process:

1.

By doing so, you might understand mentally and emotionally if the relationship is serving you, she says.

Giving your friend a heads-up can prepare them, so they arent taken aback when you share your truth.

Michelle Monaghan, Carrie Coon, and Leslie Bibb in The White Lotus, symbolizing toxic friendships.

psychotherapist and mental health educator

(For example: I feel like we dont have anything in common anymore.)

Offer a commemorative friendship

Finally, not all friendships have to end in animosity and hurt feelings.

We can offer a commemorative friendship, Dr. Franco says.

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Courtesy Berkley Publishing