Fighting with a friend is never easy. Whether it’s a small argument or a full-blown feud, it can leave you feeling hurt, angry, and confused.
But the truth is, it’s normal to have disagreements with our friends from time to time. In fact, it can be a sign of a healthy relationship.
So, let’s take a look at why fighting with a friend is normal and how to make up after a fight.
Why Fighting with a Friend is Normal
Tough Love
It’s essential to know that friends who love us can say things that we might not want to hear. Hearing what we need instead of what we want can come across as criticism.
However, if our friends’ criticism isn’t unwarranted, it might simply show that they care about us and want us to grow.
Growth
Having someone to challenge us and push us to step outside of our comfort zone can be crucial in personal growth.
And that’s what friends often do; they give us a different perspective on things.
Honesty
To be honest with our friends about how we feel or what they might be doing wrong can be beneficial to both sides involved.
It keeps the relationship healthy and straightforward.
Flaws
We’re all humans; we all have our flaws.
Friends who know us well can help us identify our weaknesses or mistakes and help us work on correcting them if it is appropriate.
Mood
Sometimes, we can be in a bad mood that nothing can fix.
When this happens, we might be more prone to start a conflict or misunderstand a friend. These small squabbles are bound to happen, and often the best option in this case is to give each other some space.
Jealousy
It’s natural to feel jealous of our friends from time to time, especially if they’re doing better than we are in certain areas.
Jealousy can sometimes lead to resentment, but a healthy friendship will recognize it and address it.
Importance of Realizing the Value of the Friendship
Regret
Losing a friend because of a fight can cause great regret. The thought of not being able to undo everything that happened is enough to make someone upset.
Strangers
A lot of people lose friends over time, and sometimes all it takes is one significant fight to turn a friend into a stranger.
Secrets
Losing a friend can mean losing someone to share secrets with or someone to confide in.
That special bond is hard to recreate, and it’s something that should be valued.
Bond
Friends share a special bond that is hard to replicate with new people.
Losing a friend can mean losing that bond altogether.
Relationship
A healthy friendship is a relationship that we should remember to invest in.
It’s important to note that fighting with our friends does not make the relationship any less valuable, and it shouldn’t be taken for granted.
How to Make Up with a Friend
Emotional Readiness to Make Up
Emotions are high after a fight, and often, we need time to cool down. Sometimes we need distance to think through our emotions and feelings.
Timing of Reaching Out
Reaching out when both parties are ready to resolve their issues is crucial. It should be done when everyone is in the right mindset to communicate effectively.
Identifying the Reason for Reaching Out
Understand why you are reaching out, whether its to address any hurtful things you said or to apologize. Its essential to understand what went wrong and why it happened.
Writing Down What You Did Wrong
Writing things down allows you to clarify what happened and gives you the opportunity to show your sincerity.
Being Ready to Say Sorry
Saying sorry can be difficult, but it’s a powerful tool in resolving any conflict. It shows that you are willing to change and do better in the future.
Talking to Them in Person
It’s always better to talk face-to-face; texts can be misconstrued, and our tone cant be heard in writing.
Choice to Talk about the Issue
Talking about the unresolved issue is always the better choice. Providing a safe environment for both parties to speak provides the clarity needed to move forward.
Avoid Forcing Them to Apologize
Forcing them to apologize is not productive and often worsens the terms of the situation. It’s more important to communicate and work to resolve any miscommunication.
Prioritizing Yourself
It’s important to prioritize yourself and make sure the friendship is mutual following the fight. Sometimes, making the hard decision to move away from a toxic friendship is necessary.
Letting Them Know Youre Willing to Talk Things Through
Letting them know you are willing to talk is important. It communicates that you are open to resolution and willing to work through any misunderstandings.
Leaving Excuses at the Door
Admitting when you’re wrong is a valuable trait. Leave the excuses behind and work towards finding a resolution.
Forgiving and Forgetting
Forgiving and forgetting is the key to moving on. Bringing up the past leads to a never-ending cycle of fighting.
Saying Sorry If You Mean It
An apology is only useful if it is genuine. Communicate why you’re sorry and avoid being defensive.
Looking from Their Perspective
Understand their viewpoint. Understanding their side in any situation is crucial in finding a possible solution.
Giving Them Space and Time to Reflect
If they need space, it’s important to give it to them. It allows them to reflect on the situation and come to terms with their feelings.
Taking Care of Yourself
Taking care of yourself is a priority. Make sure your well-being is in check and that the friendship is not taking an emotional toll on you.
Fixing the Friendship Through Actions
Actions speak louder than words. Work towards fixing the friendship through enjoyable activities that make you happy.
Taking a Break
Taking a break can provide the distraction needed to move on from the situation. Doing something enjoyable can ease the tension.
Writing Your Feelings Down
Writing things down can be therapeutic. It provides the opportunity for emotional release.
Taking Outside Judgment Lightly
Take outside judgment lightly. Remember that the decisions made should be based on your and your friend’s situation.
Only the people invested in the friendship understand it.
Telling Them How Much They Mean to You
It doesn’t hurt to remind someone how much they’re valued. It could be the affirmation you both need.
Celebrating the Friendship
After a fight, it’s important to move on and celebrate the friendship. Enjoy good times together and make new memories.
Accepting that Your Friendship May Not Be the Same After
Understand that after a fight, the friendship might not be the same as it was before. However, moving forward can be healthy for the relationship.
Being a Better Friend
The promises made to be better friends should be kept. Respect, attention, effort, improvement, and mutuality are essential in any friendship.
In conclusion, friend fights are normal and can help the friendship grow over time. But when conflicts arise, addressing the underlying issues is vital, and the key to fixing the friendship lies in communication, self-care, and respect for each other.
Remember that it all comes down to ones willingness to work through the negative and celebrate the positive aspects of a friendship. In conclusion, it’s normal to have disagreements with our friends, and it can even be a sign of a healthy relationship.
However, it’s critical to understand the value of the friendship, and to work towards making up following a fight. Effective communication, self-care, and mutual respect are essential in any friendship, and it all comes down to ones willingness to work through the negative aspects and celebrate the positive ones.
By following the tips outlined in this article, you can help ensure that your friendship remains strong, healthy, and fulfilling for years to come.
