Thursday, April 27, 2006

I Have This Friend...

One of my greatest friendships began when I was 16 years old. This friend wasn't exactly "new" to me, but it wasn't until my uncle formally introduced us (it was a Saturday morning, if I'm not mistaken, over breakfast) that a long-lasting relationship was forged.

While I was in High School, I really only saw my friend on weekends. In college, we were practically inseparable. When I was unemployed, we got together a lot less frequently. Ever since I became a "productive member of society", though, I've seen my friend almost everyday.

As with most friends, we've both changed a lot over the years... I've become more of a "home body", put on some much-needed weight, and become a Dad. My friend hasn't really done anything dramatic, per se, but has definitely become a lot less complicated than when we met. In fact, I think some of the very things that I found most appealing originally are completely gone now. Yet the friendship remains because I can appreciate this friend for what they really are when everything else is stripped away.

Lately, though, I've been thinking that maybe we hang out together too much. Maybe I see more of this friend than is actually healthy. Maybe I should think about making some new friendships. It's not that I don't like my friend anymore... far from it, in fact... But sometimes you just need a little space. You know?

I've recently found myself feeling kind of "needy" toward my friend, and I don't want to be that person. I don't want to give the impression that we have to hang out. I'd rather just go back to the casual friendship we started out in. So, I decided to "take a break" from my friend for a while and see what happens.

Oh, and by the way, did I mention that this friend plays a pivotal role in my clean little secret? I can't end the post without dropping that clue, now can I?

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