It looks as though Kylie Jenner and Jordyn Woods are friends once again after a four-year friendship rift. The former BFFs parted ways when Woods admitted to sharing a kiss with basketball player Tristan Thompson while he was in a relationship with Kylie’s sister Khloe Kardashian. As the pair were recently spotted happily reuniting over dinner, just how easy is it to overcome a relationship hiatus and rekindle a friendship?
For many of us, falling out with friends is something we actively try to avoid but in some cases it can be unavoidable, especially, in the case of Jenner and Woods, when there’s a sudden change or abrupt and unexpected hiccup. Whether it’s over something small and regrettable or a bigger barrier, reconnecting with an old friend can be difficult, so how exactly should one broach it?
GLAMOUR asked Dr Becky Spelman, Psychologist and Founder at Private Therapy Clinic to share her tips and advice for rekindling a friendship
Top tips for rekindling a friendship
- Reflect on the past: Take some time to reflect on what went wrong in the friendship and why it ended in the first place. Understanding the underlying issues will help you address them effectively when reconnecting.
- Reach out with sincerity: Send a heartfelt message or have a face-to-face conversation expressing your genuine desire to reconnect and rebuild the friendship. Be honest about your feelings and acknowledge any mistakes you may have made.
- Apologise if necessary: If you played a role in the rift, take responsibility for your actions and apologise sincerely. Show empathy and understanding for the other person’s perspective and validate their feelings.
- Give them space and time: Rebuilding trust takes time, so be patient and respect their boundaries. Understand that the other person may need time to process their emotions and decide if they are willing to give the friendship another chance.
- Plan a neutral meeting: If both parties are open to reconnecting, plan a casual and neutral meeting where you can catch up and reminisce about positive memories. Avoid discussing past conflicts during this initial stage.
- Listen actively: During your interactions, make an effort to actively listen to the other person’s thoughts, feelings, and concerns. Show empathy and validate their experiences. This will help rebuild trust and strengthen your bond.
- Rebuild gradually: Take small steps in rebuilding the friendship. Start with occasional meetings or outings to gradually rebuild the connection. Don’t rush the process, as it’s important to rebuild trust slowly and organically.
- Be consistent: Consistency is key in rekindling a friendship. Show up for the other person and make an effort to maintain regular contact. Be reliable, supportive, and present in their life.
- Let go of resentment: Holding onto past grievances will hinder the progress of rebuilding the friendship. Let go of any resentment and focus on moving forward with a positive and forgiving mindset.
- Celebrate the friendship: Acknowledge the progress made and celebrate the rekindling of your friendship. Find opportunities to create new memories together, whether it’s through shared hobbies, experiences, or simply spending quality time.
- Remember, every friendship is unique, and the process of rekindling a friendship may vary depending on the individuals involved. Good luck with reconnecting!