HerVoyageMag Aug-Sep issue

When to Let Go and How to Heal

WE talk about breakups, the spotlight often falls on romantic relationships. But there’s another kind of heartbreak that doesn’t get enough attention at the end of a deep friendship. This is the breakup that often leaves us reeling, our souls aching in a way few other losses can. As women, we pour so much into our friendships. These are the sisters we choose, the ones who know our secrets, celebrate our wins, and hold us through our losses. So, what happens when the bond fades, or worse, shatters? This is personal to me. I’m Honeymoon Aljabri, the editor of Her Voyage magazine, and I’ll be the first to say it: friendship breakups hurt more than we like to admit. They don’t come with closure dinners or neatly tied-up endings. Instead, they leave behind unanswered questions, lingering pain, and a void where laughter and connection once lived.

Losing a friend is a deep emotional wound, and it’s okay to feel the loss. Grief is not just for romantic breakups or divorce it’s for any kind of love that’s been lost. Allow yourself to mourn. Here’s how you can start healing:

Sometimes, a friendship ends because it’s meant to. Life changes, priorities shift, and people grow apart. It’s not always about blame or bad blood it’s about timing. Give yourself and your former friend the space to breathe. If it’s meant to be, the connection might rekindle in the future.

It’s easy to fall into a loop of “What did I do wrong?” But instead of dwelling on the negative, reflect on what friendship brought to your life. Cherish the good times and recognize the lessons you’ve learned. Every friendship short-lived or lifelong teaches you something.

When a friendship ends, it’s easy to feel isolated. Reach out to other friends, family, or even a therapist to share your feelings. Surround yourself with people who uplift you and remind you that you’re never truly alone.

Friendship breakups are painful, but they’re also an opportunity for growth. They teach us resilience, self-worth, and the importance of nurturing the relationships that remain. To everyone who has lost a friend they loved deeply: It’s okay to grieve. It’s okay to hold onto the memories. And it’s okay to move forward, knowing that the love you gave and the time you shared were real. Because some friendships are for a season, some for a reason, and a few, like roots, will hold you steady no matter what storms life throws your way.