Drifting apart from best friends is tough. It’s really confusing to think that just a short while ago you were so extremely close to someone, and now you’re not close at all. At one point you connected to this person, you shared countless memories, and hell, even thought about getting matching tattoos. But life happens, and you mature and go your separate ways. You spend time apart and grow as people…or don’t. When you meet up again, everything is just…..different. You don't feel super close or connected to this person, despite the fact it has only been a few months since seeing them. You both want different things or have opposing interests, but whatever it is, you know the friendship is not the same.
In high school I had a best friend that I told everything to, and I'm talking serious stuff you wouldn't just tell anyone, and also did everything with. We went to concerts, we helped each other through rough times, and we spent countless hours together. I thought she was a real, true friend, and you know what? I think at the time she was. However, people get older and inevitably change. I went to college and when I came back for the summer, I felt like the friendship was hanging by a thread. Time apart let me look back and realize how different we were, how little fun I had when spending time with her, and that I just didn’t feel a friendship anymore. I didn't enjoy the time spent together, and even got to the point where I was just bored and annoyed. We weren't on the same page anymore at all.
I know this is natural, and when you get older, drifting apart from people is inevitable. Just a part of life. Although, this doesn’t make it less sad. It feels like all the fun, high school memories were wasted. It genuinely feels like a waste of time. Honestly, it is just really sad and unfortunate, but you can’t help the way you feel and you can’t make other people fit your own mold. I know I shouldn’t feel ashamed for not wanting to be friends with someone, and I’m trying not to feel bad for severing ties. Go ahead and stop faking the friendship. Be real to yourself and to the other person. Don’t waste your time or theirs.
True friends will be apparent, because the connection will still be there regardless of the amount of time spent apart. I have a best friend who lives 14 hours away who I actually did just get matching tattoos with! It goes to show that sometimes people drift apart, and you have to accept it. Just go ahead and hold on tight to the people you love and let the other ones go.
