DameLizardville t1_jee47pz wrote on March 31, 2023 at 10:51 AM

Your feelings are valid. You are processing trauma. Be honest with your friends about your struggles. If they are as great as you say I’m sure they will understand your need to disengage for a time while you continue your healing journey. It doesn’t have to be a complete and forever break. I hope you have some kind of therapy support available to help you.

throwranw OP t1_jee514w wrote on March 31, 2023 at 11:01 AM

Thank you. They know how much I am struggling with this as I have vocalized it to them, but they don’t know that they are difficult for me to be around sometimes. I have been to therapy and will return to it because I do think I need some more support right now. I am so sad to miss out on some of the best friendships I’ve ever had, and I will miss them, but I don’t know if it can be a temporary break. I don’t want to reverse any progress I make by reintroducing them into my life afterwards

DameLizardville t1_jee5g3b wrote on March 31, 2023 at 11:06 AM

Of course. You can’t put a timeline on healing from trauma. Just be straight with them about disengaging from the friendship.

Best of luck with everything