Outstanding piece. Thank you for sharing. This is a subject so very close to my heart. I too ended my oldest friendship at the end of last year. We were best friends from the age of about 15. I'm 40 now, but I'd say the last 7 years we haven't been particularly close. But there has been so much dishonesty there. I too have held on due to our past and loyalty. I am trying to write about it.

We talk about the grief of romantic relationships having ended. But we don't talk so openly about the grief of the loss of a friend. But it is real. Good for you for recognizing your own needs and that the friendship was no longer serving you. Good for you for recognizing your worth.

Can I ask - did it end in any particular way?