But We Re Supposed To Be Friends Forever

Remember that pinky promise you made in the sandbox? You swore eternal allegiance, sharing all your gummy bears and secrets. It was forever, right? Well, forever, as it turns out, can be a bit...flexible.

The Forever Illusion

We’ve all been there. Staring into a friend's eyes, convinced that nothing could ever tear you apart. You’d build a treehouse together, become millionaires together, maybe even open a llama farm together. The possibilities were endless!

But then life happens. You discover pineapple on pizza is actually delicious (gasp!), and your friend thinks it's a culinary crime. Different paths, different tastes, different llama-farm ambitions. It's okay!

Life Throws Curveballs (and Textbooks)

High school ends, and suddenly everyone is scattered like confetti in a hurricane. College, jobs, relationships – these things pull us in different directions. Suddenly, your daily chats become weekly, then monthly, then…well, you get the picture.

It's not that you don't care. It's just that you’re both busy becoming awesome in your own separate ways. And let’s be honest, remembering to water your plants is hard enough; maintaining daily contact with everyone you've ever known is practically a superpower.

The Evolving Friendship

Think of friendships like your favorite pair of jeans. They fit perfectly at one point, but eventually, they might get a little tight, or maybe the style just isn't you anymore. You can try to squeeze into them, but sometimes, it's just not comfortable.

This doesn't mean the jeans (or the friendship!) were bad. It just means things have changed. Maybe you outgrew each other, or maybe you just need to take a break and try them on again later. There’s no shame in admitting it.

"The best mirror is an old friend." - George Herbert.

The Reality of 'Forever'

'Forever' is a big word. A really, really big word. It's like trying to eat an entire watermelon in one bite – ambitious, messy, and ultimately, impossible.

It’s okay if some friendships fade. It’s natural. It doesn’t mean those friendships weren’t real or important. It just means they served their purpose for a certain time.

Cherish the memories, the laughter, and the shared experiences. Be grateful for the people who were there for you when you needed them. And then, be open to new friendships that fit your current life.

Embrace the Impermanence

Instead of clinging to the idea of "forever," focus on the quality of the friendships you have right now. Nurture those relationships, be present, and enjoy the ride.

Life is a journey, and friendships are the companions who join you along the way. Some will stay for the whole trip, others will get off at different stops. And that's perfectly fine.

So, raise a glass (of sparkling cider, maybe?) to all the friends we’ve had, the friends we have, and the friends we’ll meet. And remember, even if it's not "forever," it's still pretty darn special. Don't be sad because it's over, smile because it happened, right? Thanks, Dr. Seuss!