Have You Ever Outgrown a Friendship?
Navigating the complexities of evolving friendships can be challenging. In this article, experts provide valuable insights on embracing personal evolution, accepting natural progression, making space for new growth, and acknowledging diverging paths. Discover how to handle these transitions with grace and understanding.
- Embrace Personal Evolution
- Accept Natural Progression
- Make Space for New Growth
- Acknowledge Diverging Paths
Embrace Personal Evolution
Absolutely. Outgrowing a friendship is evolution. I’ve had friendships where we began on the same page and I evolved (spiritually and personally) and found that we were no longer speaking the same language. One such friendship that comes to mind is one where we shared years of history, mutual strife, and inside jokes that could reduce us to laughter with a single word. But over the years, I began to notice a trend. Debate mired in the past and any attempts I made to introduce progress were met with skepticism or indifference.
As I walked deeper in my faith and began my business, I longed for relationships that would encourage growth and not the kind that held me back. I wanted to surround myself with individuals who did not just comprehend where I was coming from but were cheering me on. Whereas that friend viewed change as threatening the friendship, I realized that we had problems. It was apparent that our relationship was centered around who we were and not on who we were becoming.
Letting go was not easy but it was necessary. I believe that just as we release old habits that no longer serve us, sometimes we have to release friendships that no longer fit our growth. There is nothing wrong with honoring what was but staying in places that feel stagnant out of loyalty is self betrayal and I chose not to betray myself.
Monique Diaz
Founder & CEO, Geechee Mama Candles
Accept Natural Progression
Many of us experience shifts in our friendships as life presents new challenges and growth opportunities, much like how a cherished sweater might eventually feel too snug. In one phase of my life, I formed a deep friendship with a person who shared similar interests and aspirations. As time marched on, however, we both ventured down different paths; I moved cities for a new job, and they started a family. The physical distance and evolving personal interests slowly created a gap that was hard to bridge with our once regular heart-to-hearts or spontaneous adventures.
Reflecting on this, the diverging of paths isn’t necessarily a negative outcome; it’s often a natural progression in life’s journey. While it was tough to accept that daily conversations turned into monthly check-ins, and then to annual holiday cards, this change underscored an important aspect of life: growth sometimes means moving forward, even if it’s not always side by side with those we once held close. Recognizing and accepting this can make the transition smoother and remind us to cherish the memories and the impact people have had in our lives, regardless of the current frequency of interaction.
Alex Cornici
Writer, The Traveler
Make Space for New Growth
Yes, I’ve experienced outgrowing a friendship, and it was more about evolving in different directions than a dramatic fallout. A close friend and I used to be inseparable, but as we pursued different careers and personal growth paths, our values and priorities shifted.
Conversations became more forced, and I realized I was putting in more effort to maintain something that no longer felt mutual. The hardest part was accepting that it’s okay for friendships to have seasons. Letting go wasn’t about animosity—it was about making space for relationships that align with who I am today.
Diana Royanto
Writer, Milkwhale
Acknowledge Diverging Paths
Absolutely, it’s a natural part of life and personal growth. For instance, I once had a close friend from our early days. However, as I delved deeper into niche sectors, like working with a unique women’s fashion retail client, our paths diverged. Our interests and goals changed, leading us to drift apart. It was a difficult transition, but necessary for personal and professional growth.
Modestas Mankus
Founder, Dusty Mag
