Getting dumped by a friend can sometimes feel worse than getting dumped by a boyfriend or girlfriend. Breakups are never fun and losing a friend can hurt. If you’re struggling to deal with your friend dumping you, don’t worry. The good news is there are things you can do to cope with their loss until you’re able to heal.

Here are 12 tips to help you cope and move on when a friend dumps you.

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Think about any lessons you’ve learned.

  1. Try to come up with 1 or 2 insights you’ve gained from the experience. Believe it or not, there may be some value to having your friend dump you. It can sometimes teach you things about yourself and about other people. Take some time to think about anything that may give your pain some value.[3]
    • For instance, you may have put too much trust in your friend or assumed that they would never do anything to hurt you. It doesn’t mean you can’t trust anyone again, but now you know what can happen if you put too much faith in someone who doesn’t have your best interests at heart.
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Don’t think that there’s something wrong with you.

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Do things you enjoy doing.

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Find something new to fill your time.

  1. Use new activities to occupy the space left by your friend. If there’s something you’ve always wanted to try, now is the perfect time to do it. Keeping busy can help distract you from the loss of your friendship, so it helps to fill the time that you used to spend with your friend with new hobbies or activities.[6] It can be something fun like a cooking class or something challenging like running a marathon.[7]
    • Look up classes or clubs online if you’re trying to get into something new. For instance, if you always wanted to try rock climbing, there’s probably a local gym or club you can join to learn how to do it!
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Treat yourself.

  1. Help yourself heal by pampering yourself a little bit. Find activities that are calming and soothing, so you can do something just for you.[8]
    • A spa day can be a great pick-me-up. Get a facial, massage, manicure, or pedicure, and try to focus on yourself. If you're on a budget, even a spa day at home with a bubble bath can lift your spirits.
    • Go shopping and buy yourself those shoes or sunglasses that you've been wanting for a while.
    • Plan a movie marathon of all your favorites films, complete with popcorn and candy.
    • Have a nice meal at restaurant that you've been dying to try.
    • Even something simple like indulging in an ice cream cone or smoothie can help boost your mood.
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Unfollow your former friend on social media.

  1. Seeing them online can make things harder. You likely have a lot of photos together on any social media sites that you’re friends on. Seeing old memories can bring up negative feelings, and seeing your former friend live their life without you can be hurtful as well. It’s best to just unfriend and unfollow them so you don’t have to deal with it.[11]
    • We all love Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media apps, so it may be difficult, but you don’t want to be obsessively stalking your former friend’s accounts.[12]
    • You can unfollow them or fully block them so they can’t see any of your stuff either.
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Make an effort to meet new people.

  1. Cultivate new friendships that will replace your old ones. Just because your friend dumped you doesn’t mean you won’t ever have any other friends! Try joining a specific interest group on social media, take an educational or fitness class, or get involved in your community. There are people you can meet that you may end up having a lot in common with.[14]
    • For example, if you’re super into gardening, you can look for local gardening groups you can join. You’ll meet other people who share your interests.
    • A fitness class can be a great way to get in shape and make new friends at the same time!
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See a therapist or counselor if you’re really struggling.

Warnings

  • If you’re feeling depressed or suicidal, reach out for help. Contact a mental health professional like a psychiatrist, counselor, or therapist. You don’t have to fight it alone.
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About This Article

Chloe Carmichael, PhD
Co-authored by:
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
This article was co-authored by Chloe Carmichael, PhD. Chloe Carmichael, PhD is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who runs a private practice in New York City. With over a decade of psychological consulting experience, Dr. Chloe specializes in relationship issues, stress management, self esteem, and career coaching. She has also instructed undergraduate courses at Long Island University and has served as adjunct faculty at the City University of New York. Dr. Chloe completed her PhD in Clinical Psychology at Long Island University in Brooklyn, New York and her clinical training at Lenox Hill Hospital and Kings County Hospital. She is accredited by the American Psychological Association and is the author of “Nervous Energy: Harness the Power of Your Anxiety” and “Dr. Chloe's 10 Commandments of Dating.” This article has been viewed 63,250 times.
12 votes - 80%
Co-authors: 19
Updated: September 29, 2021
Views: 63,250
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