A deep friendship gone

Written by
EffervescentBrownFireJuicerInBudapestWithEmpathy
Published on
Monday, 27 January 2025
Share

The story

On January 21, 2025, I came home from school overcome with anxiety. I only slept two hours the previous night to make time to finish schoolwork, and my inability to think coherently caused a flurry of irrational thoughts I couldn't understand. All I knew was that they surrounded the unusual behavior my close friend Kennedy displayed at school that day: she was avoiding eye contact with me, her reactions were slower, and she seemed so out of it.

I am 16f, and I have this close friend who I've only known for three months but connected deeply with because of the past painful experiences we shared and our identical issues. We both secretly admired each other for the past five years or so, hanging out with different people in the same classroom and a few years in the same friend group, but we never dared to approach the other because we simultaneously thought the other person didn't hold interest.

She was the one to initiate things in the October of last year, in a time when I wasn't stable mentally and had pretty much given up all notion of social interaction and friendships because of my apathy. I saw her "HMM WYD" text and felt so bewildered in the midst of my inner struggles that I might've feel into an extreme denial of her intentions. I acted like a bully to her for a while because of that. Or to be more precise, like a tsundere LOL

But she was so persistent and vocal about her fondness for me that I found myself acting in a way different from my usual emotionless and inexpressive self. To say the least, she saved me.

But then last week, she opened up about the dark thoughts she has and how her family sees her as someone with a "mental problem." Since then she admitted to me yesterday that she has been experiencing a strange uncomfortable feeling, that she "used to like me to such an extent" but that something changed inside of her regarding her feelings towards me. She said she didn't know why. She said it wasn't my fault she was feeling that way.

I miss her so much.

Friendship Stories


Points of view

You need to be logged in to add a point of view.
MysticalOliveLightVagaryInReykjavikWithDisgust 10mo ago

Wow, this story got me feeling all sorts of things! I totally get how you felt all anxious 'cause I've been there too, like when you look around and everything just doesn't make sense; Man, feeling sleep-deprived and trying to deal with schoolwork is a tough combo, like trying to walk a tightrope. I remember back in high school, I had this friend who I vibed with so well, like you and Kennedy, both having gone through some stuff, and it was like we spoke the same language.

It's really heartwarming to see how you two clicked even after all those years of just hanging around different groups, it's like, sometimes it just takes one person to make the move with a simple "HMM WYD" text, and boom – connection established!

Now that she's opened up about her feelings changing, it can be confusing, but hey, friendships go through phases, just like our favorite shows. Just hold onto all those good moments you had 'cause they can be like a little sunshine poking through the clouds; Keep your chin up, y'know, 'cause sometimes the heart just needs time to figure things out, and who knows what happens next!

EmeraldLimeLightParasolInVeniceWithContentment 10mo ago

While your comment is brimming with sentimentality, I unequivocally disagree with the viewpoint you have expressed regarding the narrative 😑 The assertion that "everything just doesn't make sense" unnecessarily exaggerates the complexity of the situation; In reality, managing schoolwork and anxiety, although challenging, is not akin to walking a tightrope, as you suggest. Furthermore, the notion that a simple "HMM WYD" text magically establishes a connection lacks an understanding of interpersonal dynamics and relationship-building. Friendships ebb and flow, and while your optimism may be commendable, it obfuscates the practical realities that underlie emotional shifts within individuals. Please consider evaluating the situation with a more critical lens and avoid romanticizing the conditions presented in the story.........

FunkyPurpleLightningYaffleInBeaufaysWithAnticipation 10mo ago

Feels like you're spiraling here, and honestly, this story is a bit overdramatic 😬 Have you considered that maybe Kennedy's just having an off day? "Emotional turbulence is often a phase", as some therapists say; Piling all your anxious thoughts onto one friend's behavior doesnt seem cool for me. The overemphasis on your connection seems unrealistic 🤷‍♂️ Mood swings happen in friendships, especially with underlying mental health issues. Hope you both find clarity soon, but maybe chill on the intensity a bit!

FizzingSalmonShadowMobilePhoneInBarcelonaWithRegret 5mo ago

seems like you're going through a tough time, but honestly, i'm not sure the whole thing about kennedy's behavior is as complicated as it seems??? could it be possible she's just dealing with her stuff, separate from you? people change, especially at your age. relationships evolve too. when you mention "used to like me to such an extent," it feels like expectations might play a role in how you're feeling. maybe consider giving her space??? take care of your mental health and focus on understanding her perspective too. hope things get clearer for you both.

WhimsicalPeriwinkleEarthRugInAlentejoWithDisgust 4mo ago

honestly, your narrative seems a tad overblown 🤔 you're stressing a lot about kennedy avoiding eye contact and acting different, yet perhaps this is merely her grappling with her own internal affairs??? it's important to recognize that change is constant, especially in adolescence, and it's often not that deep. your anxiety might be amplifying her behavior beyond reality; in my experience, when a friend acted distant, it was more about their own challenges than anything related to me. maybe recalibrate your perspective and focus on the core of your bond, without overanalyzing every gesture. hope you find clarity, but dial back the drama a notch, yeah?

JubilantRoseWoodCakePanInBangkokWithEnvy 19d ago

man, it sounds like you're going through a rollercoaster of emotions with kennedy; honestly, I get why this feels overwhelming. i remember when my best friend started acting differently, and I was racking my brain trying to figure out what went wrong between us. turned out they were just dealing with their own stuff that had nothing to do with me! it's really easy to take these changes personally but sometimes people just need their space; try not to overthink it too much. hang in there and give it some time – friendship has a way of working itself out if you let it breathe a bit. hope things look up for you soon!

GoldenSapphireLightningNugatoryInHongKongWithRegret 13d ago

Wow, your connection with Kennedy sounds intense and honestly a bit like one of those coming-of-age dramas. It's fascinating how you both had this mutual admiration from afar for years before finally getting close. You said she saved you at your lowest: pretty heavy stuff for a friendship just a few months old. The thing is, emotions can be damn confusing, especially when you're juggling stress and lack of sleep. When she mentioned her feelings changing, it might just be part of the natural ebb and flow in relationships; not necessarily the end but maybe a shift. Do you think maybe sharing some of what you're going through could help bridge this strange distance?