Being betrayed by a best friend is incredibly hurtful and can be a challenging situation to navigate.

It usually happens very unexpectedly, as abest friendshould always have your back, right?

Regardless of age, even the best of friendships can be stressed or even ended when trust is compromised.

unhappy woman having coffee outside expressing her feelings after being betrayed by a best friend

Shutterstock

Stockard recommends spending time journaling and meditating, saying these activities can be extremely therapeutic when addressing your feelings.

A therapy session is a great way to speak openly and confidentially without being judged.

A therapist will share coping skills and help you deal with the situation effectively.

woman meditating at the beach, coping with being betrayed by a best friend

Shutterstock

Carrying out your decision can be extremely grueling, but Stockard has some valuable suggestions.

A good friend should be receptive to hearing your perspective, and it could be a simple fix.

As you take time to process, consider the loss you’ve endured.

woman talks with confidant on phone after being betrayed by a best friend

Shutterstock

The decision to repair a friendship or end it is different for everyone.

It’s totally normal to undergo feelings of denial or grief.

It’s also normal to wonder whether you’re making the right decision to end the friendship.

woman speaking with therapist in office after being betrayed by a best friend

Shutterstock

Stockard stresses, “Communicate, communicate, communicate!!

you might do this by not accepting plans when they invite you and don’t respond to their messages.

This would include not contacting them via text or social media.

man and woman having serious conversation in coffee shop, close-up

Shutterstock

Their actions placed you in a vulnerable place with them, and it was not your fault.

Stockard leaves us with a bit of important advice.

“Take your time healing from your loss, even if it is a loss that you initiated.

friends have serious convo over coffee on bench outside

Shutterstock

woman looking pensive at her phone

Shutterstock

woman pensive journaling, thinking at desk and looking out window

Shutterstock

friends happy hiking

Shutterstock