Been a while since I made a Steve life-type post, and thought I ramble on for a bit here.
Seasons change, life changes. Most of us have experienced this -- whether it was us doing it or it was us being done to -- but you have a group of friends for a time, and over time you just move on. It's hard to end those. What do you say?
And I'm not talking about your bros. I'm talking like-minded acquaintances that you walked through life with for a season or two... but then they just keep inviting you out... when that season has come and passed in your life. A seasonal friend, rather than a lifetime friend.
For the past couple years I spent time with an older group. It was casual. They ranged from 40-55... all at least 10-25 years older than me. It was hard to relate sometimes, but we were in a couple shows together so that bond kept us. However, in the past year I've found it hard to connect with them esp. since I got too damn busy with work for the shows and insane rehearsals. Yet still they kept inviting me to dinner hang out after dinner hang out. I knew it was the end of the line when one time, I went, and 15 minutes into the evening I felt super awkward and like I'd rather watch a movie at home. Or fuck, play my SNES, lol. There's always that one RPG I still haven't played yet... lol
They still include me on the mass email invites, but I have long stopped responding. I last saw them in person this past summer. It was a little awkward, esp. when at the end they asked me "Well, see you again right?" rather than a statement "Hey Steve hope to see you again at some point!" They asked the ? and waited for me to answer, lol. That was awkward, especially when I had it in my mind that this was it.
Breaking up with a significant other has a formula, sort of. One party verbally breaks it off. With friendships and acquaintances I find... one party usually drifts away... fading slowly... but surely. There is no "set protocol" and it can be tough to navigate when the other side is adamant.
Anyway, just rambling and would love to hear thoughts on this subject, or similar stories you've had. I know some might be of the school of thought "Fuck it Steve. Life is short. Just tell them fools off so they get off your back for good." I've never been that way, it's not my style and I don't like the feeling of "burning bridges" unless it's absolutely necessary. Unless they are persistently annoying (and in this case they aren't), I don't tell them off. Rather, I ignore and let it die down slowly but surely.
It kinda sucks, but you know, it is what it is. Hate to say that, but yeah, sometimes you have friends and acquaintances for a season or two, and then you guys part ways.
Now I see why all the young adults I invited back in 2011 declined. Guess the fear is if you accept, you get "sucked into the group" and shit like that. I can see that mentality in hindsight now. No wonder people are so picky to hang out these days. If it's not their "crew" or "circle" most people couldn't give a shit. As the saying goes, "ain't nobody got time for that."
Seasons change, life changes. Most of us have experienced this -- whether it was us doing it or it was us being done to -- but you have a group of friends for a time, and over time you just move on. It's hard to end those. What do you say?
And I'm not talking about your bros. I'm talking like-minded acquaintances that you walked through life with for a season or two... but then they just keep inviting you out... when that season has come and passed in your life. A seasonal friend, rather than a lifetime friend.
For the past couple years I spent time with an older group. It was casual. They ranged from 40-55... all at least 10-25 years older than me. It was hard to relate sometimes, but we were in a couple shows together so that bond kept us. However, in the past year I've found it hard to connect with them esp. since I got too damn busy with work for the shows and insane rehearsals. Yet still they kept inviting me to dinner hang out after dinner hang out. I knew it was the end of the line when one time, I went, and 15 minutes into the evening I felt super awkward and like I'd rather watch a movie at home. Or fuck, play my SNES, lol. There's always that one RPG I still haven't played yet... lol
They still include me on the mass email invites, but I have long stopped responding. I last saw them in person this past summer. It was a little awkward, esp. when at the end they asked me "Well, see you again right?" rather than a statement "Hey Steve hope to see you again at some point!" They asked the ? and waited for me to answer, lol. That was awkward, especially when I had it in my mind that this was it.
Breaking up with a significant other has a formula, sort of. One party verbally breaks it off. With friendships and acquaintances I find... one party usually drifts away... fading slowly... but surely. There is no "set protocol" and it can be tough to navigate when the other side is adamant.
Anyway, just rambling and would love to hear thoughts on this subject, or similar stories you've had. I know some might be of the school of thought "Fuck it Steve. Life is short. Just tell them fools off so they get off your back for good." I've never been that way, it's not my style and I don't like the feeling of "burning bridges" unless it's absolutely necessary. Unless they are persistently annoying (and in this case they aren't), I don't tell them off. Rather, I ignore and let it die down slowly but surely.
It kinda sucks, but you know, it is what it is. Hate to say that, but yeah, sometimes you have friends and acquaintances for a season or two, and then you guys part ways.
Now I see why all the young adults I invited back in 2011 declined. Guess the fear is if you accept, you get "sucked into the group" and shit like that. I can see that mentality in hindsight now. No wonder people are so picky to hang out these days. If it's not their "crew" or "circle" most people couldn't give a shit. As the saying goes, "ain't nobody got time for that."
