Sometimes, I find myself questioning whether I’m the worst friend ever. It’s not that I’m unkind, selfish, or egotistical—it’s just that when life gets tough, I tend to retreat. I go into hiding, burrowing myself away until the chaos calms down. Texts, calls, social media messages—you name it, I tune it all out.
This retreating is my way of coping. I often feel overwhelmed by the noise of life, making it hard for me to appreciate the wonderful people around me. I seek solace in my own little world while I sift through the clutter of emotions and challenges surrounding me.
Unfortunately, this pattern of withdrawal has led to rifts in my friendships over the years. Friends reach out time and time again, and I often don’t respond, or at least it feels that way to them. In truth, I’m merely in self-preservation mode. But if they lose patience and move on before I can explain my absence, it’s disheartening. I often think about the friends I’ve grown apart from because I chose to hide when life got heavy.
Different Ways of Coping
We all cope differently when faced with life’s curveballs. Some people indulge in retail therapy or binge-watch shows, while others might spill their troubles to anyone who will listen. And then there’s folks like me who morph into hermits—think Shrek without the swamp. Everyone has their quirks, and we each navigate life’s challenges in our own unique way.
So, if you have a friend who’s gone AWOL, I urge you not to give up on them. Keep reaching out. If they’ve vanished from social media or stopped responding, don’t take it personally. They may be distant, but they still need your friendship—perhaps more than ever. When they eventually resurface, knowing you’ve been there, patiently waiting, can mean the world to them.
The Impact of Mental Health
Life can be pretty overwhelming. Mental health struggles like anxiety and depression can warp one’s sense of self-worth, making it difficult for them to maintain connections. Sometimes, they might be grappling with personal issues that they don’t feel ready to share, even with their closest friends. Events like difficult marriages, family drama, or parenting challenges can throw anyone off balance. When I hit a rough patch, I often just focus on taking one day at a time.
It’s not about you; it’s about them. And they need your support. They need to feel that even when they’re unable to express it, they’re not alone. Knowing that unconditional love is out there—even if they feel they don’t deserve it—can be incredibly comforting.
The Value of True Friendship
True friends stand by each other, whether they’re chatting daily or haven’t spoken in weeks. If you care about someone, stick by them, even if they’re avoiding eye contact. They appreciate your outreach, your willingness to listen, and your patience.
For those of us who retreat in tough times, knowing that our friendships endure provides the strength we need to push through dark days. We genuinely thank you for not giving up on us. If you’re interested in more resources related to this topic, check out this blog post on intracervical insemination, or visit Kindbody for excellent pregnancy resources.
In Summary
Everyone copes with life’s challenges differently. If your friend goes quiet, keep reaching out. They might need your support, even if they’re not ready to admit it.