How to Cope When Friends Separate

If you and your partner are close friends with another couple, it can be quite a blow if they split up. Whilst your first thoughts will naturally be for the wellbeing of your friends, it’s important to realise that you can be emotionally affected by the breakup too.

It can be difficult to remain friends with both parties from a failed relationship. Perhaps you have known one person for longer and they will expect you to take their side. Or perhaps there is one person that you would prefer to keep as a friend.

It can be hard to maintain a friendship with two people who are going through a break-up so consider which relationships you want to maintain in the long-term. Talk with your own partner about whether you feel you can maintain a friendship with both of your friends. Sometimes friends of the same gender will form allegiances but don’t let your friend’s break-up cause problems between you and your own partner.

If a close friend has gone through a break-up, there will come the time when they are ready to start dating again and they may ask you to accompany them – without your partner. If you’ve been used to going out on couple’s nights this can be difficult. No-one wants to sit at home whilst their partner goes out partying so perhaps suggest that your friend teams up with another single person for nights on the town.

Be honest with your friends – if you’re planning to stay friends with both people, be upfront with your friends about this. You can avoid having to listen to them badmouthing their each other and they won’t feel betrayed if they discover you’ve seen their ex recently.

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