Friendship Breakups in Adulthood: Why They Hurt More Than We Expect

Why are adult friendships sacred?

Unlike childhood friendships that flow naturally, adult friendships demand intent, trust and a great deal of vulnerability.

Broken friendship suck

Friendship breakup in adulthood can dismantle routines, emotional scaffolding, and the sense of continuity built over years.

Adulthood makes friendship breakups worse....

... as they're built on shared crises, personal milestones, and unspoken solidarity through upheaval. When this emotional support collapses, the loss leaves a hollow.

Broken friendships & 'Ambiguous Loss'

Psychologist Dr Pauline Boss describes that hollow as Ambiguous Loss, which emerges when someone remains alive yet becomes emotionally absent.

Friendship breakups affect mental health

The grief from friendship breakup often mirrors the aftermath of romantic heartbreak—anger, disbelief, betrayal, isolation—but receives little cultural validation.

4 catalysts for broken friendships

According to the American Psychological Association, selfishness, infrequent interaction, romantic involvement and familial perception contribute to broken friendships.

How to cope with a friendship breakup

Journaling your emotions, confining in a therapist or trusted confidante, and accepting the situation helps.

How to regain confidence (and friends)

Prioritise self-care, indulge in creative hobbies, give yourself downtime and, finally, be open to new connections.