3 ways to cope when friends let you down
During the pandemic, I often heard from women who felt let down, lost, and even experienced feelings of abandonment from friends who didn't agree with their choices during that period. It was difficult for many to experience, and recover from. Sometimes however, in day-to-day life, even close friends can let us down when we’re counting on them.
Maybe you made plans and they canceled at the last minute. Or maybe they said something hurtful that you can’t stop thinking about. Or maybe they just disappeared from your life.
Whatever the situation, it can be hard to cope when friends let you down. As someone who’s been in that situation before, I’ve learned a few things that have helped me deal with it. In this blog post, I’ve outlined three ways to cope when friends let you down.
1. Talk it out
One of the best ways to deal with a friend who’s let you down is to talk it out. Sometimes people make mistakes and don’t even realise that they’ve hurt you. By talking it out, you can express your feelings and give your friend a chance to explain their actions. When you do talk, make sure to listen as well as speak. Try to understand where your friend is coming from and why they did what they did. If you’re both willing to have an open and honest discussion, it can help you move past the situation.
2. Take some time for yourself
When a friend lets you down, it can be really an emotional roller coaster. You might feel hurt, angry, or disappointed. It’s important to take some time for yourself to process those emotions. Maybe you need to go for a walk, run, take a bath, or just curl up with a good book. Do whatever makes you feel good and helps you release those feelings. It's important to empty your emotional bucket from time to time to stop it from bursting, so even putting on that movie that makes you cry can be a good thing, just let it all out! Also, don’t be afraid to take some space from your friend if you need it. It’s okay to put yourself first and take care of your own emotional health.
3. Know when it’s time to move on
Unfortunately, sometimes it may be time to re-evaluate the friendship. It’s never easy to walk away from a friend, but sometimes it’s the healthiest thing you can do. Remember that you deserve to have friends who are there for you and treat you with respect.
As women, we form strong bonds with our friends. So, when those friends let us down, it can feel like a deep betrayal. However, it’s important to remember that everyone makes
mistakes, and sometimes friendships go through rough patches. If you find yourself in this situation, try to communicate with your friend, take some time to care for yourself, and if, after all that, you feel like it’s time to move on, don’t be afraid to do so. Remember that you deserve to have people in your life who respect and support you.
Naomi Dyer is a Bestselling Author, International Speaker, Internationally Certified Results Coach, entrepreneur, and cancer survivor. She's a beacon of resilience and empowerment, whose journey through adversity inspires audiences worldwide.
If you would like to learn more, see her story, or book her to speak at your event visit www.naomidyer.com.au
