Friendships

I received a call from a good friend I met in college today to catch up on post college life. She really is one of the nicest people I have ever known. I may sound pessimistic, but in my eyes and through my experiences, you don't come by genuine people very often. I've met people who I thought I'd be friends with forever and they have slowly disappeared from my life. It saddens me to think about best friends turning into acquaintances and then disintegrating into nothing, but that's life. A friend had told me during a coffee date that it's those acquaintances you can tell the most to. I agree, but which of these acquaintances will end up standing by you? 

I've lost touch with a lot of people and have cut friendships with others. I think it's more than okay to cut ties with people you can't trust anymore or who you know won't be there for you if you needed a helping hand. I also have a mindset that if the people you meet won't help you grow in some way, then there is no point in maintaining that friendship. Is this logical? Sometimes I think I'm very cautious about letting people into my life nowadays. I have also become very picky on what I will and will not tolerate. I told my other friend that I have maybe 30 people I'd invite to my wedding and he thought I was insane. He didn't say so of course, but I could see it in his expression...

I will admit that I am not perfect. I find myself not a good friend at times. If I've failed to be there for people, then how can I expect anything in return? No one is perfect..and this leads me to the topic of expectations. 


I've grown up in a very loving family. Crazy sometimes, but very caring and supportive. I guess some would call me a spoiled princess? I have been very fortunate to live the life I've lived. Others, though, may not have come from such a nice background. Who am I to judge someone who has grown up in a very different environment with no parental figures to look up to? Or those who have had to live in a very out-of-control atmosphere? If I have not been in his or shoes, then who am I to say this person is not fit to be a part of my life? But when does the other person's upbringing and lifestyle affect yours in a bad way? To the point where he or she should not be a part of your life anymore? 


All of these questions constantly surround my thoughts. No, it's not fair to judge someone based off of his or her experiences, but at the same time, it's not healthy to keep someone around if he or she cannot give you what you need to grow and what you need to be the person you strive to become.