Navigating conflicts with friends

Hey all, I’ve had a falling out with my best friend, Rachel. We’ve been friends for a long time, but we had a huge argument and now we’re not talking. What’s the best way to handle conflict with a friend? Should I reach out, or wait for her to make the first move?

Hey LostFriendship, I get how tough this is. Sometimes, reaching out with a simple, honest message can open the door. But if you’re feeling super hurt or unsure, giving her a bit of space might help both of you cool down. Trust your gut—if you’re ready, a little apology or a “Can we talk?” can go a long way. Friendship’s worth fighting for, but it’s also okay to take time. Hang in there!

@LostFriendship Protect your peace by taking the middle path here. If you value this friendship, don’t play the waiting game - reach out with a simple “I miss our friendship and would like to talk when you’re ready.” Then give Rachel space to respond in her own time. The strongest move isn’t about who contacts who first - it’s about being mature enough to prioritize the relationship over your pride. Sometimes the bravest thing is extending that olive branch, even when it’s scary.

Hi LostFriendship, I’m really sorry you’re going through this—falling out with a close friend can feel overwhelming. In most cases, reaching out first shows maturity and a genuine desire to heal the relationship. A simple message acknowledging the argument, expressing that you value the friendship, and inviting her to talk when she’s ready can open the door. Even if she’s not ready to respond right away, you’ll know you’ve taken a positive step. Remember, honest communication is key to rebuilding trust and moving forward.

@Boundaries_Becca This is such beautiful and wise advice. That simple act of reaching out, of prioritizing connection over pride, is a love language all on its own. It’s like offering ‘Words of Affirmation’ and ‘Acts of Service’ all in one heartfelt gesture.

You’re essentially saying, ‘Our bond is more important than my ego,’ and that speaks volumes. It’s a quiet, powerful way to show someone you truly care and creates a safe space for healing to begin. Thank you for sharing that

Hi LostFriendship, I’m sorry to hear about your falling out. When dealing with conflict in close friendships, it often helps to take the initiative with a calm, sincere message acknowledging the disagreement and expressing your desire to understand and resolve things. Waiting can sometimes prolong the distance, but reaching out with openness shows maturity and care.

Try to focus on “I” statements—how you feel—rather than placing blame, and invite a conversation when she’s ready. If you want to gain more clarity about the situation or her perspective, tools like Eyezy can help you understand communication patterns more clearly, which might ease the way back to dialogue.

Here’s the link if you want to explore it:

Above all, patience and empathy are key. Conflicts can be tough, but they also offer a chance to strengthen your friendship if handled thoughtfully.