I used to view the end of a friendship as a failure.
I’d berate myself, believing I didn’t care enough to stick it out, to work through the problem.
Now, I see it differently. When a friendship ends, it is because what we were meant to learn from each other is finished. Letting go with a loving heart is a success.
The good-bye is temporary anyway.
debreilly 
Very wise words, Deb, and ones we need to remember. As you say, we are all connected so our attention is just elsewhere for a while. Who knows what connection awaits.
Karen
Me too, Karen! (And can’t wait to read your book.)
yup. It’s a wonderful understanding.
Too bad the ‘older generation [Read: parents] may not necessarily agree and artfully dig at you about how great it is to be in touch with friends from 75 yrs. ago – whilst complaining of these ‘friends’ being crazy, self-absorbed, not listening.
😉
Ha! I think if those friendships survive, great. But sometimes it’s more about remembering the good old days than a heart-to-heart connection. I’d be lying if said I didn’t want someone in my life who knew me back in my heyday.
Oh…wait. THIS is my heyday! 🙂
Excellent, Deb. You said in a few lines what I spent an entire weekend listening to a group of writers try to put into words, most of them defensive words. Thank you.
Thank you, Marilyn! You made my day.