Letting go
Throughout the past few years, I’ve come to realize how hard it is to stay in touch with friends.
I’ve also come to realize that not all friends are worth staying in touch with.
There are so many things that change throughout the course of our lives; our jobs, the places we call home, our priorities, our relationships, even our values…These changes usually impact our ability (and desire) to stay in touch with the people we care about.
As someone who deeply values and puts a great deal of time, love and effort into my relationships, I have struggled to understand those who don’t do the same.
I used to take it personally, and let it really bum me out, when friends would cancel plans at the last minute, fail to respond to my efforts to catch up, or act in ways which I view to be disloyal.
It has taken me a few years to realize, and accept, that not all of my friends place the same emphasis (or value) on the relationships I have with them that I do. It has also taken me a few years to realize that not all of my friends have the same principles, morals and values that I do.
I have also come to realize who my true friends are.
The individuals who I consider to be my best friends are those who, time and time again, take time out of their busy schedules to see me during my visits home. They are the ones with whom I can express my feelings openly and honestly, and no apologies or explanations are necessary. Things are just easy.
I have no doubt that the individuals who I refer to as my best friends will change throughout the course of my lifetime.
However, the one thing that won’t change is the lesson I’ve learned along the way; life is too short to invest time or effort into relationships that don’t provide you with something positive.
When it comes to friendships, sometimes you need to know when to stop trying and start letting go.