I often test the waters of a situation or relationship before moving forward. I test those waters and try things out via questions, observation, and experiences. Then I assess how I feel afterwards. For example, recently I rekindled an old relationship with a good friend via an outing. As we engaged in a wonderful hike in nature, I knew that this friend is someone I want to spend more time with--her questions are my questions, her goals are my goals, and her zest and spirit for good living energized me in directions that are meaningful and inspiring to me. I'm glad we had the time to come together and rekindle a meaningful friendship. On the other hand, I spent some time with another old friend recently, and clearly our paths in life as well as our goals are very different. One is not necessarily better than the other, just so different that there's little will or time to connect in meaningful ways.
As we travel life, some people will be with us the entire journey, some will be with us from time to time, and others will be there for only a short chapter. Again this is not about right or wrong, but about who we are and where we are going. For example, a new person recently entered my life--the person is intriguing, challenging, and thought provoking. What she loves and is committed to speaks to me yet we've never spent significant time together and in the past we were in quite different groups. Yet, I'm watching and listening to this person as what she loves and is committed to may be part of my next chapter. Her work and commitments speak to my heart and energy. I'm taking this inspiration seriously.
On the other hand, some of my close friends and family members are committed to endeavor that does not speak to me right now--it's clearly not part of my current path or call. Thus there's been more distance due to this.
We are all called in different ways at different times. I believe there is no one way to live life, but instead it is vital that we live life in ways that are true to who we are and positive for those we connect with in any way. Testing the waters and trying out new people and situations is one way to figure out your call and direction as you journey in a way that is true to who you are and who you want to be.