Is a friendship break realy just a nice way to say breakup?
Hey everyone, I have a friend who I really enjoy spending time with. For a while it seemed like they did too. We talked daily and we hanged out a lot. We connected on so many things it seemed like our relationship would continue to grow. Over time this interest became more of a romantic interest, but I was never confident enough to say anything. As more time passed on, there were moments where they would say we should do something together, only for us to never to such things. If anything I saw them do that stuff with their other friends. It bothered me, and I would get upset by this. I mention this because I’m sure it lead to the “break” we are on at the moment. Over the summer they began to feel distant, but I chose to believe I was imagining it. We didn't hang out at all throughout August, and we met once at the end of September. The next time was on October, and I really felt the awkward tension. I asked them if anything was wrong and that’s where they admitted that they have been distancing themselves, and that talking to me started to feel more like something they had to do, not something they wanted to do. The thing that keeps me hanging on to this friendship was them telling me that they would like to hang out again like we used to, if I wanted to. It has been a little over a month and I decided to message them. I figured that because of what they told me before we stopped talking, I should be the one to initiate contact. It’s been 3 days and I still haven’t gotten an answer. At this stage all I’m thinking is that this friendship is over. I just hate how awful I feel at the moment and I wish I was past this already.
@bubbleVase6955
it does sound like this "friendship break" may be a precursor to the friendship ending, even if that's not the intent.
the feeling that talking to you had become more of an obligation, and the lack of follow-through on plans are all concerning signs. Those types of changes often indicate a shift in the relationship dynamic, The fact that they expressed a desire to hang out again "like we used to" suggests they may have been hoping the break would reset things. However, the lack of response to your recent message implies they may be pulling away further, Friendship breaks can sometimes be a way for people to create distance and emotional space, either to re-evaluate the relationship or gradually phase it out. While not always the case, it often signals the beginning of the end.
My advice would be to prepare yourself for the possibility that this friendship may not be able to be repaired, even if that's not the outcome you want. Try not to blame yourself - sometimes friendships naturally run their course, even if it's painful.
The best thing you can do is give this person space while also being honest about your feelings. Let them know you're open to reconnecting if they reach out, but don't chase after them. Focus on your own healing and self-care in the meantime.
I know this is a really difficult and confusing situation. Be gentle with yourself as you navigate it, and remember that even if this friendship ends, it doesn't diminish your worth or the value of the connection you shared. Wishing you all the best.
Thank you for your honesty. I just never experienced something like this before. It hurts a lot, we even had plans to go to Vegas on April next year for a big wrestling event. I know I shouldn’t bother them, but having mutual friends and stopping myself from asking about the friend I’m not talking to is also difficult
I'm on your boat too buddy and believe it or not friendship breakups hurt more than a relationship breakup, it might sound wierd but you can look it up on YouTube I believe you can get through his maybe we can talk through this and find support each other since I lost one myself after a 5 years long friendship and it hurts as ***