Some Relationships Expire And That's Okay

Not Every Friendship Is Meant to Last Forever

There are some relationships you enter and, in no world, can you imagine them ever ending.

And no, I’m not talking only about romantic relationships. In fact, in my opinion, some friendships are stronger than many love relationships.

Everyone close to me knows that I am a very self-aware person. One thing about me is that although I can be everybody’s friend, I have a small circle of people who are incredibly dear to me. Those are my people. The ones who know the unfiltered version of Amma. The ones who have seen me laugh until I cried, cry until I laughed, and probably listened to my endless “chochocho” more times than they deserved. 😄

So, if you had told me ten years ago that someone from that circle would one day simply walk out of my life, not because they died, not because we had a dramatic fallout, but simply because they chose a different path, I would have called you a false prophet without hesitation.

Yet it happened. Not once, not twice.

## THE HEARTBREAK NO ONE WARNS YOU ABOUT

Let me tell you something. There is a type of heartbreak that comes from losing a friendship that no romantic heartbreak can compare to.

Why?

Because, as we say in the sisterhood code: guys come and go, but sisterhood is forever.

At least that’s what we thought. Sometimes life has other plans.

One thing I have learned is that life happens. People go through seasons that have absolutely nothing to do with you. Sometimes they change. Sometimes their priorities change. Sometimes the version of life they want no longer includes the relationship the way it once did.

And as painful as it may be to admit... that’s okay.

I have also learned that there is no point clinging to someone who no longer values your presence. Relationships were never meant to be prisons. If someone has mentally checked out, holding on tighter rarely fixes anything. It usually just hurts more.

## THE BRIGHTER SIDE

Now let me help you look at the brighter side. 😄

Remember all those matters you were supposed to take to God in prayer but decided to discuss extensively with your friends instead? Well... if those friends have left, God’s arms are still open wide. His ears are still available. And unlike some people, He never gets tired of hearing the latest gist. Hehehehe. 😄

If you truly did your best in the relationship and the person still left, please don’t spend the next ten years beating yourself up. Sometimes people leave simply because their assignment in your life is complete.

A great man of God once said:

“If people choose to leave your life, let them go. Your destiny is not tied to anyone who left.”

That statement used to be difficult for me to accept. Now, I understand it much better.

## WHAT I USED TO BELIEVE ABOUT FRIENDSHIP

For a long time, I thought the best friendships were the ones formed in childhood. The people you grew up with, the people who knew you before life became complicated. The people who knew your parents, your awkward moments, your embarrassing stories.

Those friendships are beautiful, don’t get me wrong. But as I grew older, and hopefully wiser, I realized something. That idea wasn’t necessarily from God.

God lives in eternity. What we call the future is His present. Think about that for a moment.

Sometimes we become so attached to what was that we completely miss what could be. We assume our greatest friendships are behind us. Meanwhile, God may have incredible people waiting for us ahead. People who will understand us better. People who will encourage us differently. People who may walk with us for the rest of our lives.

So yes. Some relationships expire. And that’s okay.

*(Abeg, I’m not talking about marriage o. Before somebody carries this article and starts trouble in their house. 😄 I’m talking about genuine friendships and relationships that simply reached the end of their purpose.)*

## WHY DO WE HOLD ON SO TIGHT?

Sometimes we try so hard to keep people who no longer want to be kept. But isn’t that a little selfish? Why force what someone else no longer wants? Why spend years chasing a friendship that has already left emotionally?

The truth is simple:

Some friendships last a lifetime. Some friendships last a season. The challenge is that in the beginning, they often look exactly the same.

That is why we need discernment. The kind only God can give.

## BRING YOUR HUG

So if you’ve ever lost a friendship that meant the world to you... come here. Bring your hug. 🤗

I’ve been there too. More than once. And while it hurt deeply, I’ve made my peace with it. In fact, I am happier now than I imagined I could be back then.

People may leave. Friends may come and go. Seasons may change. But whatever you do, don’t push away the One Friend who never leaves, God.

Because losing every friend and still having God is survivable. Losing God while trying to hold on to everyone else... now that’s a recipe for disaster.

## CHAPTERS VS. THE ENTIRE BOOK

Not every relationship is meant to last forever. Some people are chapters. Others are the entire book. The wisdom is learning not to confuse the two.

And when a chapter ends, don’t spend your whole life rereading it.

There may be a beautiful new chapter waiting to begin. ❤️

**Have you ever had to let go of a friendship you thought would last forever? How did you make peace with it? Tell me in the comments — I read every single one. 👇**