With a big family it's easy to see how life can take a person on multiple varied paths. Rather than fret when loved ones travel a path that moves away from you or in a direction that doesn't make sense to you, take the long look at life and recognize that our lives will take many twists and turns; twists and turns that make sense to our loved ones and twists and turns that make no sense at all to those we love.
Recently friends made a decision that was uncomfortable and confusing to me. Why did they make that decision? What was their aim? I could have asked them about it, but it was a sensitive topic and a topic not related to my connections with these friends. Their decision as I understood it wasn't harming anyone so there was no need to speak up. What is important in this regard is that I do my part with regard to my friends. If I want to keep these friends, I need to be a good friend, and in this situation a good friend simply doesn't interfere with the decision that seems strange, but in no big way is problematic. When it comes to good relations, knowing your place matters.
What is my place in this regard and with regard to other relationships? First, I want my loved ones to know that I'm there for them if they need me, and I don't want to interfere in their personal decisions or plans unless there's a chance to help out or prevent a big problem. And, I want to remain curious about my loved ones' interests, needs, and choices in ways that make me a good listener and supporter. Also, I want family and friends to remain close. Over time those relationships will ebb and flow dependent on multiple circumstances, schedules, interests, ages, and places where we live and travel, but in general, I want to support close family ties in respectful, positive ways. To do that I have to be respectful of the ways life changes and how people's needs and interests change too. We can't control one another, but we can be there to support one another and enjoy each other's company when possible.
Taking the long view of life helps one to respect the multiple paths that people travel too. There are somewhat natural stages that people go through and it's important to respect those stages too. Life with young children will be different than life with teens or young adult children. Life as a full time working person will differ from retirement or semi-retirement. Also as you age, your interests will change and your capacity for particular pasttimes will likely change too. You have to respect that as well.
People will travel all kinds of paths in life. We need to respect those paths in ways that we can. I'll be cognizant of that throughout the summer and the many friend/family events that occur. Onward.