Many of our friendships are created through a shared location. Living on the same street, going to the same school, working in the same office. Sometimes there would be other reasons that fostered the connection, but ultimately the friendship developed because of proximity.
And when the physical needs change, we begin to feel disconnected. This can feel really hard as genuine bonds have been created. When the primary reason for spending time together is no longer there, we begin to question what the friendship actually meant.
It’s important to first and foremost appreciate the time that was spent together. Cherish the moments that were shared, and be grateful for the impact that it had on your life. You may not be able to relive those same moments, but they were very special and formed a big part of who you are.
It’s then helpful to reflect on the value that the friendship could provide with changed circumstances. Appreciate the elements of the friendship that you treasure and wish to foster through the different stages of life. You may not be able to see each other as frequently, or connect in ways you did before, but the friendship can continue to grow and strengthen, especially when you appreciate how much it means to your life.