Reality imitating Art

It just occurred to me: friendships are a lot like TV shows. Cancelled too soon, you're left with 'What if's?' If they go on too long, they become stale and one is left with a taste of bitterness and maybe even some resentment. I realized that I am experiencing this right now in my life. Once almost inseparable, things have gone casual and slowly but steadily we've been drifting apart. Not the fault of either party-life goes on, big events occur, and priorities take you in separate directions. Blinders come off, people change, compatibility just isn't the same anymore. Rarely is the status difference publicly acknowledged, but exchanges become limited to saying hello and making small talk in passing. Occasionally, one side or the other will make the comment, with the best of intentions from both parties, 'Hey, it's been so long since we've done anything together! Let's get together for a movie night or bowling soon!' The other side will agree, but very rarely do plans materialize. I'm sure everyone has experienced this.. and as we progress in life, we'll see it more and more. As John Lennon said, 'Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans." I know that we're 'facebook-linked', we'll chat occasionally in text, and perhaps even see each other once or twice a year, and I'll appreciate those times. I won't expect any more than that, but I'll enjoy times to catch up. Yes, it does sadden me a bit, but I just remind myself that endings have to occur to make way for new beginnings. I raise my glass to the memories we made, the good times we had, the personal discoveries that I made with their help. I will always hold them close with a smile. **The use of the word 'their' and 'we' are to make it as genderless as possible, so 1.) that no assumptions are made as to who's on my mind and 2.) Because of the comparisons to the generalizations of when this happens in life**