Grief in Relationships

Photo by Bella Huang on Unsplash

Have you lost friendships and close relationships in recent years?

The past few years have been tumultuous and it's entirely natural to find yourself with a sense of isolation, perhaps even a touch of glumness. You're not alone in sensing a shift in the dynamics with your family, friends, and colleagues. All of us, myself included, have experienced the loss of relationships at different points, whether platonic or romantic. The winds of change have touched us all, altering the feelings of our connections.

The political divisions and the far-reaching effects of the pandemic have reshaped the very fabric of our relationships. The once familiar intimate conversations may now seem altered, leaving us struggling to understand what happened.  The once familiar rhythm we took for granted has now shifted to a different, possibly more strained, or tense tone.

I recently had this experience at the beginning of the pandemic.  A dear friend's response to the unfolding situation differed from mine so much that it unnerved me. Our normally easy communication broke down. We couldn't seem to find a new rhythm, a new common ground or way to see the world. The values that had once felt so aligned now diverged in completely opposite directions. It was as if the person I once knew disappeared completely leaving me with grief.

It's okay to acknowledge the heaviness of these changes, to sit with the feelings of isolation and glumness. Change, especially on such a societal scale, can be a challenge to navigate. The connections that once felt solid and true may now bear the scars of transformation, transformation that leaves us grieving and feeling broken. 

In recognizing these relational shifts, we open the door to understanding and healing. Acknowledge that the dance of connection can adapt to a new rhythm, even if that lost relationship is never restored.

At Graceful Healing, I help to navigate the new dance and provide insight into evolving relationships.  The ways in which we connect may be different.  It might take time, but with grace, patience and understanding, relationships can find new harmonies, and the threads of connection can be rewoven to reflect the resilience of the human spirit.

 If you’re interested in starting therapy or have a question, I’d love to hear from you! Call me at 719-569-5560, or send me an email.