The Unspoken Art of Ending Friendships on Social Media
When Digital Ties Bind
In today’s digital age, social media has become an integral part of our lives. We share our joys, sorrows, and everyday moments with our online friends. But what happens when a friendship fizzles out? The process of ending a platonic relationship on social media can be just as daunting as breaking up with a romantic partner.
The Weight of Digital Memories
I’ve had the privilege of helping friends purge their social media accounts of ex-boyfriends. It’s a painful but necessary step towards healing. However, when it comes to ending friendships, the process becomes murkier. Our digital lives are filled with memories of shared moments, making it difficult to sever ties. The fear of erasing what we once had can be overwhelming.
The False Sense of Closeness
Social media creates a false sense of closeness. We feel obligated to remain connected to people we once cared about, even if the relationship has faded. We fear that unfriending or unfollowing someone means we never truly loved them. But this isn’t true. It’s essential to acknowledge that our relationships evolve, and it’s okay to let go of those that no longer serve us.
The Importance of Digital Boundaries
In the past two years, I’ve learned to prioritize my mental health by regularly curating my social groups – both online and offline. This means having open and honest conversations with friends about the state of our relationships. If someone is no longer making an effort, I address the issue head-on. I’ve also become more liberal with deleting people who no longer contribute to my life.
Breaking Up with Platonic Loves
Ending a friendship can be just as crucial for our mental well-being as a romantic breakup. It’s essential to recognize when a relationship is no longer meaningful and take steps to distance ourselves. This may involve enlisting the help of a trusted friend to ensure we follow through with our decision.
Taking Care of Ourselves
Prioritizing our relationships means being honest about who is truly in our lives today. We shouldn’t feel obligated to maintain relationships out of a sense of duty or nostalgia. Quantity is not a replacement for quality, and the former can often leave us feeling emptier.
Seeking Balance
In the end, taking care of ourselves means accepting that our social circles will change over time. It means being willing to clean house on our social media feeds, just as we would in our actual homes. By doing so, we can create a more authentic online presence that reflects our real-life relationships.
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