How to Break Up with a Friend

8 Steps to Closure When a Friendship Ends

By Therese J. Borchard

Friendships are like marriages. Some evolve into mutually supportive and life-giving bonds while others grow more and more unhealthy, or even toxic. When a friendship ends—abruptly or subtly; via e-mail, phone conversation, or personal confrontation; with words or silence—I believe it needs to be mourned and processed in the same way as a divorce or painful breakup.

Because, even if a split was inevitable or right, it still hurts, just as much or sometimes even more than breaking up with a beau. Here, then, are eight ways to make sure you get closure and peace, especially if there was no good-bye.

Click for the first step to closure when a friendship ends.

Therese J. Borchard writes the Beyond Blue blog on Beliefnet.