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When Childhood Friends Grow Up: Facing the Difficulties of Adult Relationships
Maintaining friendships seemed so much simpler when we were kids. A game of tag in the park was enough to form a friendship, and seeing each other every day solidified it. Back then, the only rules were to be kind and share.
As teenagers, friendships revolved around loyalty and keeping secrets.
Now, as an adult, I often question what it truly means to be a friend. With the complexities of adult life, I’ve had to make difficult decisions about who belongs in my life. Some relationships naturally faded with time and distance, while others I tried to hold on to despite clear signs of toxicity that conflicted with my values.
I’ve worked hard to address past trauma that impacted my relationships. Though not perfect, I have a clearer understanding of what it means to be a friend and to have one. While friendships sometimes face challenges and it’s not always easy to support friends, I generally believe in sticking by them. However, there are exceptions where creating distance or even ending the relationship might be necessary to preserve your own peace.
