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Break from friendship
My best friend and I have a very precious bond. We are childhood friends. We had a small misunderstanding recently which we cleared beautifully. But he has fluctuating issues so just after we patched up in few days he asked me that it is getting suffocating for him to handle pressure so he wants to take time off from the friendship though he wants to keep it in the long run. But i am devastated since it is my daily routine to talk to him. He has a new girlfriend too now for which he has to give more time. My best friend occasionally texts me but not with the same warmth. I was ill few days back. He only just sent me a formal message. It broke me.
What should I do? Feeling helpless. Should i not speak to him until he gets back completely because it is hurting me.
Answers (10)
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Dependency is snatching your happiness....the reigns of happiness are controlled by your friend.
This situation needs to be paused otherwise you will lose your worth and self existence.
Emotional dependency can lead to various psychological changes.
You should seek counseling sessions to overcome the challenges.
You need an expert Psychologist.
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I have been working as a Homeopathic Psychiatrist and Counseling psychologist for the last 17 years. You can contact me through an online appointment for further assistance
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Hi,
It's completely understandable to feel hurt and helpless when someone so close to you, especially your best friend, pulls back, even temporarily. Your feelings of sadness and disappointment are valid, especially since your bond has always been special and meaningful to you. It might be helpful to give him some space as he requested, allowing him time to handle his own issues and figure things out without added pressure. During this period, focus on self-care and spend time with other friends or activities that bring you comfort. If you feel that reaching out might intensify your pain or if you prefer to wait until he feels ready, thatâs okay too. Sometimes, giving space can also help both of you gain clarity and appreciate the friendship more deeply. Remember, your feelings are important, and taking care of your emotional well-being is vital while navigating this challenging situation.
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consult with a Psychologist
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Hi
Try AI chats, self vs AI
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Hi
You’re grieving the emotional distance from someone who was part of your daily life, and that’s completely valid. Right now, your friend isn’t emotionally available, likely due to his own pressures and new relationship.
Yes, it’s okay to take a step back — not to punish him, but to protect yourself from ongoing hurt. Let him know respectfully that you need space too, since the current dynamic feels one-sided.
Therapy advice:
Use this time to focus inward — reconnect with your own needs, other relationships, and activities that nurture you. A therapist can help you process this grief and rebuild emotional balance.
Take therapy, and you can connect with me on nine two six six seven two six zero six five.
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Thank you for opening up about something so painful. It’s clear how deeply you value this friendship—and how much this sudden distance is affecting you.
You’re grieving a shift in one of the most meaningful connections in your life. Your best friend, someone you’ve known since childhood, has suddenly become distant. You:
• Rebuilt the bond after a misunderstanding.
• Were told he feels “suffocated” and needs space.
• Found out he has a new girlfriend, taking more of his emotional energy.
• Feel hurt that he now only sends you formal messages, even when you were unwell.
• Are unsure whether to wait, reach out, or let go.
This is heartbreak—and it’s valid. Even if it’s not romantic, it’s a deep emotional loss.
You had a safe space in this friendship, a routine of care and warmth. When that rhythm is broken, it feels like you’re not just losing a friend—but a part of yourself.
His sudden withdrawal, especially after reconciliation, feels like abandonment. You’re left confused, without closure, while he has someone new and seems emotionally unavailable.
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You could consult with me for a one on one
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Respect His Need for Space—But Protect Yourself Too
If he has asked for space, give it to him, not to punish yourself, but to preserve your dignity and mental peace. It doesn’t mean the friendship is over—but it’s in a different phase.
Friendships change—and it’s heartbreaking when they do. But this pain won’t last forever. You’ll heal, grow stronger, and someday, you’ll either reconnect with him in a healthier way—or find new friendships that bring you the same warmth without the confusion.
You’re not alone in this. I’m here if you need help processing more, or even writing that message.
Let healing be your priority now—you deserve peace.
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Ms. Neha Sachdev
Psychologist
11 yrs exp
Delhi
Hi
You must be devastated since you are are close and used to each other. Whenever there’s a change in a routine we often feel uncomfortable and feel there’s something missing in life.
Boys are generally less expressive in nature. In fact, feelings and emotions are a little taxing for them. It’s quite likely that that your best friend maybe avoiding u coz of many other reasons like- he being busy or wants to try a relationship other than friendship. This friendship became a habit for you hence the helplessness.
Acceptance- people’s behaviour change with situations. They don’t change otherwise. Until there’s a pain in their life, they will remain their own self personality. You may be itching to get to the reason for his change in behavior,(which is right- as you can get a clear closure and will be able to move on easily) yet, it would be idle to give him his time to sort his emotions and get back to you. You have to accept that as an he too may be dealing with his stressful situation. The situation can be anything.
Now, you may take this as an opportunity to explore other friends/ relationships in life. This will give you an insight to various people’s personalities and their perspectives. You will grow / learn with them.
Meanwhile, You may also take up a hobby- or hone ur talents. You would be good at something and can extend your potential in the same area and feel good and grow better for yourself.
When we work on ourselves, we are good to ourselves, feel beautiful and think better about self. And positivity leads to better outcomes in work as well as in personal life
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You may want to talk further about your emotions and how to cope with sudden change.
Happy to help
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Mr. Gunjan Maithil
Psychologist
13 yrs exp
Bangalore
Hi... It is best to lie low at this time. We are not aware of his situation. He may be going through a tough phase personally or professionally. This all along with his new relationship and your friendship and may be some other family issues might all have gone overboard for him. Men avoid conflict as long as they can. They don't believe in discussing an issue if they feel it won't lead to a peaceful conclusion. It is also a possibility that your friendship might have become a cause of concern in his relationship or maybe in his life and he might be just taking sometime off. It will be good if you talk to him only when he reaches out, without being explicitly aggressive about it. Try to be little less antentive to all this and lead your life. Childhood bonds do not get broken so easily. It's best to loosen the grip when the friendship is getting strained. You won't get anything out of it by discussing is too much beyond at this point. Eventually, he will get over his issues and there will be a good time to talk to him about this and get things cleared up. Also, one more thing. Do get a clarity about how you feel about him and how you think your friendship will turn out when you both get involved or married to different people. Try to fathom the idea of being without him and enjoying your relationship with someone else. If this, creates a unsettling feeling there are issues deeper than the present conflict. Try to address them in a therapeutic setting.
Next Steps
Consult a Psychologist.
Interpersonal Relationship Counselling is required.
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Mr. Gunjan Maithil
Senior Psychologist
Cell: nine six seven one three zero three one three four
Website: https://gunjanmaithil.wixsite.com/therapy
App: http://wix.to/fechb08?ref=cl
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Sanjana Purdhani
Psychologist
2 yrs exp
Delhi
Itâs completely natural to feel abandoned, rejected, and deeply hurt when someone who was once your emotional anchor suddenly creates distance. Youâre grieving not just a person, but the consistency, warmth, and emotional safety they represented. Itâs confusing and destabilizing when love and care turn into silence or formality.
Feelings Acknowledged:
You may feel like you're not enough or being replaced, which can trigger sadness, helplessness, and even a sense of emotional betrayal. The void left by his absence feels rawâespecially when youâre ill or emotionally vulnerable and he doesnât respond the way you hoped.
Next Steps
Allow yourself to grieve. It was a precious bondâand grieving doesn't make you weak. Let him have the space he asked for, not to punish him, but to protect your peace. Avoid reaching out unless you feel emotionally strongânot in hopes of reviving what was.
Health Tips
Unhook your routine from his presence: replace that "daily talk" with journaling, meditation, or a friend who can hold space for you. Limit social media exposure if itâs triggering feelings of being left out or replaced. Affirm your worth daily: âMy value doesnât decrease based on someoneâs capacity to show up.â Engage in grounding practices like breathwork, long walks, or creative expression. Therapy or talking to a counselor (like those at Soul Savera) can help you process the layers of grief and emotional dependency without judgment. Youâre not wrong for loving deeply. You just deserve to be met with the same depth when you do.
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Ms. Smriti
Counselling Psychologist
18 yrs exp
Bangalore
You could say to him (if you choose to):
> L"I understand you’re going through a lot and need space. But this in-between state is hurting me more than distance. I care about you deeply, but I need to step back for now to take care of myself. When you feel truly ready to reconnect with openness, I’ll be here."
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