![Quantcast](http://pixel.quantserve.com/pixel/p-GS-HF4BKvzCmv.gif)
![How I Overcame The Hurt Of Losing My Best Friend](https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMjE5NDA5My9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTcyNTE0NTI4Mn0.4DaEDkbENT3oz9qe87pbHPBGMehMKTyKyAU3O4tI4oY/img.jpg?width=1200&height=600&quality=90&coordinates=0%2C81%2C0%2C82)
How I Overcame The Hurt Of Losing My Best Friend
Let's face it, not all of us are walking around, "Hey, sis-ing," at every turn.
In fact, it took me a solid three years after my best-girl friend relationship ended to even utter those words.
Growing up, I never had the charisma of our First Lady Michelle Obama when it came to making friends, but when I started college, I just knew things would look up; and for a while it did. All of my college brochures would advertise their "family-oriented environment," so I entered my matriculation with high hopes of developing life-long friendships.
Related: My Female Friendships Were The Most Heartbreaking & Loving Relationships Of My Twenties
When I met my first group of friends on campus, it almost felt too easy. All four of us lived in the same dorm and hit it off almost immediately; we were inseparable. People on campus were so used to seeing us together, they often referred to us as one hyphenated name. Every party, every pregame, and every homecoming event, we were together as one.
Midway through our sophomore year, I discerned a shift in our dynamic like a storm was on the horizon. I started to notice that I was being excluded from certain activities that we would normally partake in together, talked about behind my back, and they would always give me a hard time whenever I'd come around for reasons I have yet to understand. I knew something was up but it didn't seem like anything that we couldn't overcome. Truth be told, all the cattiness and shade were just red flags of a friendship that was reaching its end, and we eventually decided that our friendship was unsalvageable.
I left that friendship questioning everything I thought I knew about female companionship: were all friendships like this? Even as I entered into my post-grad-adulting life, I found certain groups to run rampant with clique-ness, jealousy, and competitiveness. Frankly, there seemed to be no way for me to break into these circles without compromising some part of my integrity. I had to decide whether gaining and maintaining solid friendships was worth the fight, and it was.
But first, there was work to be done:
I Embraced My Time Apart
Some work can only be achieved in the sanctuary of solitude and healing is one of them. When you feel like you've been wronged by the people closest to you, there is major healing to undergo and most times, that's a one-woman act. The season of loneliness that I thought was going to break me was actually giving me the time I needed to become a friend to myself and prepared me for the friendships that were awaiting me down the line. It was only after I did the personal work that I knew I was ready to be a friend to others again.
I Had Guy Friends
I was one of those girls that used to pride myself in, "only having guy friends," but truthfully, it took having majority guy friends for me to realize how much I needed girlfriends. All the claims are true; guys do tend to be more easy-going and laid-back, but let me be the first to tell you that that gets old real quick. Having guy friends made me realize that behind the band of brothers I was marching around with, I was missing one thing: emotional connection. Whenever I was around my male friends, I'd switch into character as "just one of the guys," which in term suppressed my divine feminine energy. As women, we need the space to be as free and expressive as we desire to be and I learned that could only come through sisterhood.
Related: Why I'm Okay When Certain Friendships In My Life End
I Forgave
Forgiveness is the key component to this journey and there's no way around it. There's a saying that unforgiveness is like, "grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned." So why would you carry around a grudge for years while your ex-friends are out there living their best lives, not paying you any mind? Just because you forgive doesn't mean you forget. You learn from it, grow from it, and use the lessons you've gained to grant you with the wisdom to choose better, more fulfilling relationships in the future.
Forgiveness and freedom are synonymous. You're giving yourself the permission to let go of what's no longer serving you to embrace the love and grace that comes from healthy bonds and friendships.
Have you ever been hurt by a girlfriend friendship? How did you heal from it? Share your story with us in the comments down below.
Featured image by Getty Images
Aley Arion is a writer and digital storyteller from the South, currently living in sunny Los Angeles. Her site, yagirlaley.com, serves as a digital diary to document personal essays, cultural commentary, and her insights into the Black Millennial experience. Follow her at @yagirlaley on all platforms!
This article is sponsored by Hulu.
UnPrisonedhas returned for its highly anticipated second season, delving deeper into the complex dynamics of the Alexander family.
The series premiere comes a year after its debut season garnered rave reviews from fans and critics and earned record-breaking ratings for Hulu's Onyx Collective brand. UnPrisoned's success can be attributed to its raw, relatable themes and comedic appeal.
Inspired by creator Tracy McMillan's life, the show follows Paige (Kerry Washington), a therapist and single mother whose life takes an unexpected turn when her father, Edwin (Delroy Lindo) --who was released from prison-- moves in with her and her teenage son, Finn (Faly Rakotohavana).
Throughout UnPrisoned's first season, viewers witnessed how Edwin's incarceration deeply affected Paige's life and relationships. In the series, Paige unpacks her trauma through interactions with her inner child and her online followers. Meanwhile, Edwin is overcoming specific struggles with his own past that led to his life of crime, including a dysfunctional upbringing and his mother's arrest. As the Alexanders attempt to reconcile, new challenges arise.
This new season promises to further explore their unconventional family dynamic. Here are several compelling reasons why season two of UnPrisoned should be on everyone's watchlist.
The Alexander Family Life Is Still In Shambles
UnPrisoned's second season resumes where the series left off, with Paige grappling with the fallout from her troubled therapy practice and Edwin navigating life independently after moving out. Meanwhile, Finn faces his own challenges. The teenager is battling anxiety and seeking information about his father—a topic Paige avoids discussing.
The Alexander Family Are Attending Therapy To Resolve Their Underlying Issues
Amid the chaos in their lives, the Alexander family decides to mend their bond by confronting their past traumas. They seek professional help and attend therapy sessions with a “family radical healing coach,” played by John Stamos, a new cast member. This collective effort aims to unravel the complexities of their shared history and strengthen their relationships.
The process of unraveling each character's internal conflicts and their potential impact on future relationships may clash with Paige's textbook therapy approach. While Paige is used to being in the therapist's seat in both career and family, this forces her into the unfamiliar role of a patient during therapy sessions. This shift would compel her to look in the mirror and try a radically different approach.
The Alexander Family Learned A Big Lesson During A Therapy Session
In therapy, the Alexanders are tasked with addressing their individual traumas to salvage their remaining relationships. One of the family therapist’s eccentric suggestions was an exercise involving a family wrestling match. During this session, Paige faces tough questions about her refusal to share information about Finn's father.
While it's unclear whether this scene is reality or fantasy, the image of the family duking it out in the ring certainly makes for hilarious yet compelling television.
Paige Tries Dating Again Following Failed Relationships
Amid her life's chaos, Paige decides to step back into the dating field. However, her many attempts have left her with mixed results. The dating apps have turned out to be a fail, and an outing with her ex Mal (Marque Richardson), who is also her father's parole officer, doesn’t go quite as expected after he brings an unexpected guest – his new girlfriend.
The situation takes an awkward turn when Mal's new partner learns why the former couple split, partly due to Paige's self-sabotage.
UnPrisoned Is A Perfect Balance Of Comedy And Drama
As a dramedy, UnPrisoned takes a comedic approach to its heavy subjects. The show takes us on a ride with Paige's dating misadventures and navigating a friendship with her ex.
Other lighthearted moments include Edwin's attempts at CPR based on online videos and, of course, the antics of the Alexander family's unconventional new healing coach.
The second season of UnPrisoned is now available on Hulu.
UnPrisoned | Season 2 Trailer | Hulu
Feature image courtesy
Summer Travel Guide: 9 Safest Vacation Spots For Black Women
When it comes to planning and choosing our international travels, there’s one question that is bound to come up: “Is it safe for Black women?”
At times, our travel plans can be halted by whether or not our desired destination is safe not only for solo travel but for overall protection as women of color. We want to have fun, go on excursions, taste the food, and let our hair down, so the last thing we need on our minds is navigating microaggressions and worrying about our safety.
According to a report by The Mandala Research Firm, 17% of Black Americans take one or more international trips and travel locally more than six times per year. Even more exciting, 42% of Black Americans said they would spend more in 2020 on travel than in 2019 (pre-Covid), and 50% of Black adults (16% more than the general population) are more likely to travel to locations associated with their ethnic or cultural heritage. All of this goes to show that we’re not afraid to pack our bags and book flights to our heart's desire.
Our passion for travel and exploration highlights a growing desire to connect with a wide range of cultures while discovering new fresh locales. By choosing destinations with positive reputations for safety and belonging, you can enjoy your next adventure with peace of mind. And to help, we’ve provided a list of the best vacation spots to add to our travel bucket list.
1.Havana, Cuba
Known for its vibrant culture and welcoming locals, Havana offers a unique travel experience for you and your girlfriends. Stroll through the historic streets of Old Havana and immerse yourself in the lively music and dance scenes that make this city unforgettable.
2.Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Famous for its Carnival, stunning beaches, and warm hospitality, Rio de Janeiro is a lively and safe city to explore all year long. Don't miss a visit to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue and the bustling Copacabana Beach for a true taste of Rio's energetic spirit.
3.Belize
With its beautiful beaches, diverse wildlife, and laid-back Caribbean vibe, Belize is a safe and adventurous destination for travelers. Discover the underwater wonders of the Belize Barrier Reef and explore ancient Lamanai Maya Ruins.
4.Paris, France
Who doesn’t have Paris, the city of lights, on their travel list? Renowned for its art, fashion, and iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Paris offers a blend of romance and safety for travelers. Wander through the charming neighborhoods of Montmartre and Le Marais, explore the Louvre, and indulge in the city's exquisite culinary delights.
5.Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal's capital city, Lisbon, charms visitors with its historic architecture, delicious cuisine, and welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy breathtaking views from São Jorge Castle and savor traditional pastries at the famous Pastéis de Belém bakery.
6.Bali, Indonesia
We’ve all seen the viral photos off the Bali coast and Gates of Heaven, so why not make it a reality? Famous for its lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and serene temples, Bali offers a safe and enriching travel experience in Southeast Asia.
7.Tokyo, Japan
Recently, the value of the Japanese Yen has seen a significant drop, making it the lowest it has been against the dollar since 1986, which also means that there’s no better time than now to make your travel plans to the renowned cultural hub.
8.Accra, Ghana
There’s no FOMO like the kind felt from seeing all the beautiful faces enjoying their holiday at Ghana’s Afrochella Festival, so let this be your sign to start planning the trip now. Often referred to as a welcoming home for the African diaspora, Ghana offers rich cultural experiences and a sense of belonging. Explore the vibrant markets of Accra and visit the historic Cape Coast Castle to connect with the nation's poignant past.
9.Seoul, South Korea
You may be surprised to find this city on the list, but for Black travelers, Seoul is said to be one of the safest and most exciting cities to travel to. There will be plenty to eat, buy, and experience from this city’s rich history and culture.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images