We all like to believe that regardless of how many romantic partners come and go, our true friends will stick around no matter what. This is why friendship breakups often hurt more than regular breakups. While romance is usually complex, you’d think friendships would be anything but.
Dear Abby: I am trying to figure out what the appeal is behind getting into a relationship. Are they really as valuable and meaningful as people say? Can I be just as fulfilled by my friendships? What if I’m not ready to open up to someone like that yet?
Dear Abby: Please help! I don’t know what to do, my friends are telling me that I don’t spend enough time with them, and that I am prioritizing my boyfriend over them –– but I think I balance the relationships well. Am I in the wrong for spending too much time with my boyfriend? How do I save my friendships?
It seems as though romantic love is presented as being the only way we can find fulfillment — but getting to know who you truly are outside of the context of how you appear to others is essential to self development and, ultimately, self love.
