Pizza Therapy: A Delicious Journey from Friendship Heartache to Healing
- aczotic
- Jan 14
- 5 min read
Friendships are the glue that hold our lives together, providing laughter, support, and companionship. However, when a friendship falters or dissolves, it can leave a gaping hole in our hearts. Many of us have experienced the sinking feeling of a friendship breakup, and the stages of grief that follow can be just as profound as those related to romantic relationships. While it might sound cliché, sometimes the solution lies in a slice of delicious pizza. In this post, I’ll share my journey of navigating friendship heartache and the role pizza therapy has played in my healing process.
Understanding the Stages of Grief in Friendship Breakups
When a friendship ends, it’s essential to acknowledge the emotions that surface. The grieving process can often mirror that of losing a significant romantic relationship. I understand the feelings of loss so deeply; along with the loss of my first husband of 26 years to Brain Cancer in 2019, came the loss of long time friendships, when I remarried in September 2020.
Denial: At first, I couldn’t believe that things had unraveled so quickly. I often replayed memories, desperately searching for any signs that the fallout was inevitable.
Anger: Once reality sank in, I found myself feeling angry—at my friend, at myself, and overall, the situation felt unfair.
Bargaining: I went through a phase where I imagined ways I could have acted differently to prevent the breakup.
Sadness: This stage hit hardest. I felt an emptiness that seemed unfillable, and there are some days, even 5 years later that this sadness is still felt.
Acceptance: Eventually, through time and pizza, I started to accept the reality of my situation.
Acknowledging these stages offered me a framework for understanding my emotions and allowed me to navigate them more effectively.
The Importance of Self-Care
During tough times, self-care often takes a backseat. I'll admit, I neglected some aspects of my physical and emotional health post-breakup. But I have started this year practicing self-care, even in small ways, am I starting to feel a flicker of hope.
Engaging in activities that bring me joy is going to be crucial. Whether it is taking long walks <this is truly my most favorite thing to do>, binge-watching my favorite Netflix or Paramount shows <Hello Yellowstone & 1883>, or simply curling up with a book, I am learning that prioritizing my well-being is non-negotiable.
Pizza therapy is a delicious addition to my self-care routine. The warm, cheesy goodness feels like a comforting hug on some of my most difficult days.
Creating a Pizza Therapy Routine
If you’re going through a friendship breakup, consider adopting my “pizza therapy” routine. Here’s how I do it:
1. Choose Your Favorite Pizza
Every pizza lover knows that there’s something out there for everyone. Pick a pizza that brings you joy—whether it’s a classic pepperoni, a veggie delight, or an all-meat extravaganza. For me, an ooey gooey cheesy Pepperoni pizza or the Boston Pizza Royal Hawaiian always feels like a warm embrace. If nobody has told you, it is ok to comfort yourself with pizza or enjoying a long walk. I get the same comfort from both.
2. The Perfect Setting
Create a cozy environment to enjoy your pizza. It could be on your couch with a favorite blanket or a picnic in the park. The ambiance enhances the experience, making every bite feel more enjoyable. Last year, with the suggestion from my therapist, I transformed a spare room in my home; my family now calls this space"The Command Center". This is a space was created by me, for me, and some of my best moments are spent in this room......alone! When the Do not Disturb sign is hung on the outside door handle, my family knows that this is a time when I need to be alone. I use this space to rest, to read, to watch my favorite series, to write, and to blog.
3. Dine Mindfully
Instead of mindlessly scrolling through your phone while eating your pizza, focus on the flavors. Savor every bite, and let the deliciousness fill your senses. I have been told that mindful eating has been shown to increase satisfaction, and can help as a form of meditation during tough times. I personally have not yet figured out how to meditate while eating pizza, but if you can find a way, let me know!!!
4. Pizza and Community
Sometimes, it helps to share your pizza therapy with others. A casual pizza night with friends <the ones that bring you joy> or family <also the ones that bring you joy> can provide laughter, comfort, and companionship. Surrounding myself with those who show me that they care about me, always lifts my spirits, brings me joy, and fills my cup..
5. Journaling the Experience
Consider keeping a pizza diary. I love that I can use my Blog A Pizza and a Rant Blog to journal. Write down the types of pizzas you tried, how they made you feel, and any thoughts that arise during the meal. This creative outlet can provide clarity around your emotions and serve as a creative outlet.
Personal Reflections on Healing Through Pizza
Through my pizza therapy, I had some revelations. I realized that friendships evolve, and sometimes, they serve their purpose and come to an end. Friendships can often have seasons, and like seasons, they come and they go. And each season, is different from the one that came before it. My experiences with one particular friendship breakup, taught me to value those who chose to remain in my life, and I will embrace any new friendships now with an open heart.
I vividly recall a night I spent alone with a large pizza, watching rewatching one of my favorite movies. It was a night filled with laughter and tears, and I found solace in both. Each slice of pizza I consumed represented a step toward healing—filling my heart and my belly.
Embracing New Beginnings
Just like pizza can come in various forms and flavors, so can friendships. With time, I will meet new people and forge new connections. Embracing these new beginnings will become an integral part of my healing journey. It’s crucial to remember that losing a friendship doesn’t mean losing the capacity to love and be loved.
Conclusion
Navigating a friendship breakup can be daunting, but using tools like self-care and pizza therapy can make it a little easier. Embrace the emotions that come with grief, lean into self-care, and don’t underestimate the power of a comforting slice of pizza, or your ability to heal your broken heart.
Share your stories with friends, enjoy those cozy pizza nights, and remember to nourish not just your body but your soul as well. Healing is a journey, and I hope that through your pizza therapy, you’ll find a way to navigate the pain and emerge stronger than ever. Here’s to healing, one slice at a time!
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