Should I try and save a friendship that’s ending because my family left the Church? Ask Dr. Julie Hanks

In this episode, I talk with Beth and answer the question, “Should I try and save a friendship that’s ending because my family left the Church?” Beth’s family has a group of friends that get together several times a year for fun trips. After the news came out that Beth’s family is leaving the Church, it’s felt like these friends want nothing to do with them.

I encourage Beth to go toward the awkward. It’s likely that these friends are making up stories about what leaving the Church means for Beth’s family. By initiating conversations and inviting them to spend time together, Beth and her family can show her friends that they’re still the same people they know and love.

Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll hear when you listen:

Honestly, if they don’t want to be friends with people who are not affiliated with the Church, I’m not convinced you want to be friends with them. If that’s a requirement, that’s pretty immature. They can select out of the friendship if that’s who they are, and there’s not much you can do about it. We’re grown ups; we can handle differences. But some people can’t. Let them select out and you grieve the loss of those friendships and keep the ones that are salvageable. You’re not in charge of keeping the friendship going if it’s not mutual.