Is the dissolution of friendships considered insignificant?

Even when moving on is necessary, leaving brings grief. It's tough to grieve someone who's still alive—balancing why you can't stay with what once made you care. When my decades-long friendship ended, empathy came only later; at the time, regret and frustration dominated. Society validates romantic breakups, but rarely acknowledges the pain of losing a friend.

It didn’t seem like it should hurt this much. Sometimes, my sadness after the ending felt almost absurd, and I was embarrassed by how deeply it affected me. Since it wasn’t a romantic breakup, I questioned why the pain was so intense. Everyone handles endings differently; for me, spending time alone and waiting until the pain fades is what helps—though it's usually quite overwhelming, honestly. Moving on takes me a long time. The friendship wasn’t healthy, and I have no intention of ever speaking to that person again. As we age, our habits become familiar and easier to handle. I used to go out of my way to impress a friend who never reciprocated. Sometimes people can't see you because they're too focused on themselves. After working on self-approval and following my own path, that pattern has faded.

My twenties taught me that I am creative and vibrant, and I don’t need others’ validation to recognise it. I’m grateful to no longer be a footnote in my own story. I’ve learned that finding balance brings happiness, whether it’s passion for my art or appreciating the landscapes and people around me.