Friendship Changes

Friendship changes are normal over the lifespan. This can be a scary and daunting experience, but it doesn’t mean you don’t have friends and it can be an opportunity to evaluate existing relationships and create space for new connections. Some friendships will evolve, either becoming more distant or closer and other friendships will simply end. Below are some tips to help you understand how connections might shift and how to evaluate relationships.

Life Transitions: New jobs, new romantic partnerships, relocation and starting families are all reasons why friends may become more or less available. With increasing responsibilities, individuals may prioritize certain relationships over others. This can result in a natural fading of some friendships as people focus on family, work, or other commitments.

Shared Interests and Values: Friendships often form around shared  interests and activities. You may find yourself drawn to different social circles or outgrowing current groups that don’t share similar views or personal values.

Personal Growth and Selectivity: Individual personal growth and self-discovery may lead to changes in who you decide to have as a friend. As people learn more about themselves, they may seek out relationships that align more closely with their evolving identities and aspirations. Becoming more selective about the relationships you want to invest time and energy into is important. You may decide to evaluate friendships that are consistently negative or draining and  prioritize connections that contribute positively to your life .

Health Challenges: Physical or mental health issues can also impact friendships. The demands of dealing with health concerns may limit one's ability to engage in social activities or maintain regular contact with friends. How friends show up and respond to health difficulties can also affect the durability of the relationship.