It can be incredibly hurtful and invalidating when someone dismisses or trivializes your struggles, especially when it comes to sensitive topics like eating disorders (ED). If you're feeling hurt, upset, or unsupported by your friend's response, it's essential to consider how this incident fits into your overall relationship with her.
Here are some things to think about when deciding whether to continue the friendship:
Communicate: Before making any decisions, consider having an open and honest conversation with your friend. Let her know how her response made you feel and explain the importance of understanding and empathy when discussing sensitive topics like EDs.
Empathy and Support: Friends are meant to be supportive and understanding, especially during difficult times. Evaluate if this incident is an isolated occurrence or if it reflects a pattern of behavior in your friend. True friends should be there to listen and support you, even if they don't fully understand what you're going through.
Setting Boundaries: If your friend's response was unintentionally hurtful, communicating your boundaries can be helpful. Let her know what kind of support you need and what kind of responses may not be helpful.
Consider Her Perspective: It's possible that your friend may not fully grasp the severity and complexities of eating disorders. While this doesn't excuse her response, understanding her perspective might help you decide whether the friendship is worth maintaining.
Seek Support Elsewhere: If your friend is unable to provide the support you need, look for other sources of support. Reach out to understanding family members, other friends, or consider talking to a therapist or joining support groups where you can find empathetic individuals who have experience with EDs.
Self-Care: Prioritize your well-being above all else. Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you, and remember that it's okay to distance yourself from friendships that may be causing you distress.
Ultimately, the decision to drop a friend is a personal one. If you feel that this friendship is causing you more harm than good, it may be worth considering whether it's in your best interest to maintain it. Take the time you need to reflect on the situation, communicate your feelings, and make a decision that aligns with your well-being and happiness.