To become close friends, there must have been profound and unforgettable shared memories, perhaps silly things done together during school days, or those moments when you used to chat on the phone all night long. Your joys and embarrassments, she was there for all of them, but when did it start that you can only refresh her updates on Facebook, and the only contact left between you is the silent like she gives to your posts?
Said “Let’s make plans for another day,” and then there was no follow-up.
During holidays or birthdays, I always unexpectedly think of this former close friend. I open WhatsApp to send her a greeting, and she responds with a polite “thank you” and a simple greeting. From then on, her account gradually disappears from the messaging app, and the promised “let’s meet up soon” never materializes. She becomes the most familiar stranger. From talking about everything to growing distant, a faded friendship truly feels helpless and regretful. What is most incomprehensible is that there was no ignoring due to arguments or misunderstandings between you. But you, who once promised to be lifelong friends, suddenly stopped contacting each other.
Growing up, the surroundings are changing, and so are the people.
Does friendship also have an expiration date? In fact, the clearest thing is that as we grow, our circles of life change, gradually losing touch. After entering society, each of you entering different workplaces has different experiences, encountering various fresh and complex people and things in life. Sometimes, you may want to complain to this friend about the work problems that bother you, only to find that after explaining it all, they don’t understand as well as a colleague would. What surprises you the most is not that she doesn’t understand your current situation, but that unknowingly, your values are no longer in sync.
There is just too much to do and too little time.
Life is getting busier and busier, not only filled with work and trivial matters in your schedule, but also perhaps with your interests, further studies. After entering marriage and having your own family, time becomes even more scarce. It is really difficult to balance every friend among the choices. The fatigue of life sometimes makes people forget to actively care for and contact those old friends. Some friendships can indeed withstand the test of time, allowing friends who have not seen each other for many years to still be as intimate as before, but there are more friendships that have not been elevated, only staying in the memories of the past. It’s not easy to meet at a friend’s wedding or a gathering of old classmates, but you don’t know what to say, you can only awkwardly bring up old stories, try to piece together topics, but it doesn’t reignite the old feelings, and you know, your friendship cannot be rekindled.
Cherish when friendship comes, let go when it leaves.
New people come, old people go, these are the common occurrences in life that you and I have both experienced. There are times to gather and times to part ways, understanding that the distance of all emotions is constantly changing, sometimes near and sometimes far. It’s regrettable to lose old friends, but if despite efforts to maintain the friendship, it can’t return to what it once was, then learn not to force it and gracefully let go at the right time. Although it may be a bit painful, knowing that she is doing well now, you will quietly let go of your worries. Those friends who have left have also accompanied us for a part of the journey, so just smile at those beautiful moments and cherish them, they also remind you to cherish the old friends who are still with you in the present moment. And don’t forget that in the future, you will still meet new friends who are more suitable for you and will continue to grow with you.
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