{
  "id": 8821031,
  "title": "When friends drift apart or fall out, the self-blame and grief can hurt more than a breakup",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/when-friends-drift-apart-or-fall-out-the-self-blame-and-grief-can",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-09-21T02:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Straits Times Business",
    "slug": "straits-times-business",
    "url": "https://www.straitstimes.com/business/when-friends-drift-apart-or-fall-out-the-self-blame-and-grief-can-hurt-more-than-a-breakup"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "As individuals transition into adulthood, friendships can prove to be just as formidable as romantic relationships. However, the grief of friendship breakups often goes unacknowledged in a society that places heavy emphasis on romantic partnerships. Therapist Cao Zhikai sheds light on this issue, highlighting the emotional toll that losing friends can take on adults. Kai Wen and Sue-Ann discuss the challenges of forging new connections as grown-ups, yet they acknowledge the immense value of nurturing purposeful adult relationships. The hosts also address the apprehension that accompanies the pursuit of new friendships among adults.",
  "summary": "Our friend circles shrink as we get older. How do we deal with it?",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}