Dear Chip,

How do you deal with the whole losing friends aspect of high school? I know it’s a very common event that happens in high school, friendships ending and all. However, just because it’s common doesn’t get rid of the bitter feeling of the situation. I recently lost a friend and I feel like this friendship just slipped out of my hands like sand, and everything just seems a bit gloomy right now.

I know it was best for us to part ways, and I don’t have any intention of reconciling with them. However, I would like some advice on how to move forward and start feeling better after this kind of situation.

Sincerely,

Gloom

Dear Gloom,

Losing a friend is never easy, I know. I honestly wish I could say it gets easier but it doesn’t. But what does get easier is coping with it. Take this friendship as a learning experience. Take some time to sit down and really think about the friendship. Focus on what was good and worked but most importantly focus on what didn’t work. I know it sounds crazy but if you look back on the friendship and focus hard on what didn’t work, you’ll start to better understand and accept why it didn’t work out. Not only that but it will help you find potential friends in the future based on what didn’t work out in the past. And if you’re worried that they’ll move away to another state or city I’ve got some good news, we live in a time where we can call and text and facetime anyone anywhere at any time. Yes, you might not see them as much, but you’ll still have that friend. Losing a friend is never an easy thing but you can take it as a learning experience, and if a friend moves away, you can always keep in touch.

Sincerely, Chip