Not Everyone Is Meant to Go With You
Friendships shift. Sometimes they fade quietly. Other times they end abruptly, and the loneliness that follows can feel more intense than we expected.
Like most adults, I’ve experienced this many times in life.
When we moved, I felt the loss of closeness and familiarity. I missed the ease and history with the people who had been by my side for years. At the same time, I was grateful to find new friendships, with people from all over the world, of different ages and backgrounds. Rich and meaningful connections.
And still, sometimes I miss what I had before.
Loneliness in Different Seasons
Loneliness doesn’t belong to one stage of life.
I remember it in middle and high school, when I didn’t quite fit in.
And again, after becoming a mom, when I was desperate for adult conversation and connection.
Loneliness has a way of showing up in the in-between seasons, the moments when life shifts and we don’t quite know where we belong.
When Friendships Change
When friendships shift, you may grieve the relationship you had before.
Or you may be the one choosing to let go, which carries its own guilt.
Either way, the ache is real.
What Helps in the In-Between
Over time, I’ve found a few small things that help:
Nurturing what remains. Even if the closeness isn’t the same, sending a message or sharing a memory can keep the thread alive.
Saying yes to something new. Joining a group, trying an event, or even reaching out to an acquaintance can open doors to surprising connection.
Turning inward. Sometimes loneliness is an invitation to reconnect with yourself, your own interests, and what makes you feel most alive.
None of this erases the loss, but it makes space for something new to begin alongside it.
A Gentle Reminder
It’s okay to let go of friendships that no longer fit.
It’s also okay to open yourself to new circles, and to be surprised by friendships that appear in unexpected places.
Even in seasons of loneliness, there is nothing wrong with you. You are simply in the in-between, learning to move forward in a new way.
Reflection Question: What friendships have shifted in your life, and what kinds of connection are you most craving now?
✨ If this spoke to you, I’d love for you to subscribe to my blog or connect with me on LinkedIn. And if you are navigating a transition of your own and feeling the loneliness of shifting friendships, you can always book a free consultation.
