Sometimes those who once supported us may no longer support us and even serve as detractors to our lives. When and why does this happen and what do we do about it?
Undoubtedly, life changes impact relationships. Friends who were by your side in one stage may be more distant in another stage. Life challenges or celebrations may upset relationships too.
I think it is important to recognize these relationship changes and make decisions about what to do about it. When a friend detracts from our lives more than supports us, we have to decide how we will react. To simply let the derogatory behavior continue will forever harm a relationship. It is better to be proactive and reset the relationship to make it positive again or to simply take a vacation from the friend for a while until you understand what happened and what to do about it.
Long ago, when a good friend fell in love, our relationship became strained and distant. I was very sad about that and tried to keep our connection as strong as it was before she fell in love. My friend, always a wise woman, remade our relationship in a positive way--she made good space for her love and kept me as a part of her life too. It took me a while to adjust, but I did and I'm so glad that this relationship remains today.
Relationships will change over time, and we have the power to impact what those changes will be like. At each new stage of life, we have to remake our existing relationships and find new relationships with people who share our new chapter's focus, needs, and potential.
As much as possible, we want to nurture relationships that are mutually supportive and either remake or retire relationships that mainly detract from the good lives possible. Onward.