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One good reason you’re friendless in your 40's
To have a friend, be a friend is sound advice. But what if you’re too good of a friend?
Roughly nine years have passed since seeing or talking to a childhood friend. We grew up across the street from one another, spending summer days and weekends at each others houses rocking out to music, gossip, and board games. Her family was my family while visiting her and vice versa.
The last time I’d seen or spoke to her was around her mother’s funeral. My mom and I both attended. She called me each day after her passing. I was happy to answer and talk to her until she ended the conversation. Then one day I called and received the disconnection message. I haven’t heard from her since.
On occasion my mom asks if I have heard from her. The answer is the same each time. “Well, everyone grieves differently, you know? Maybe you should try reaching out to her.”
In response I had to remind my mom of how I was there for her through thick and thin with the passing of her mom and sister, who had passed six months before her mother. And that I went through a divorce alone the following year. “You gotta be a good friend to me too,” I said. Mom agreed and pivoted the conversation.
