Friendship changes

[Happynow]

Hi, I hardly ever post but am interested to know whether anyone else has found that they have re-evaluated their friendships since Covid?

I have/have had longish friendships which I feel are falling by the wayside. And others which I feel are strengthened. Anyone else?

Anyone?

Definitely.
It showed me how dependent some friendships were and how much effort it took on my part with others. I parted ways with what I thought EF was a very deep and prominent friendship earlier this year as she showed herself to be quite a user.

Happily, it also highlighted other friendships which have strengthened.

Sort of. I have got the same number of friends (not many) but having spent many years berating myself for not having enough friends, for being the 'B' friend, not being popular etc , I realised I don't care. I like the idea of friends , rathe than the reality.

Massively. I've had a whole friendship group of about 15 people completely fall apart over the course of Covid. Partly because people realised that their life was actually better when they didn't see certain people, and partly because when you're used to going out as a big group and then you have to stick to the rule of 6 or whatever, you really have to choose who to pick, then people got offended, then sides were taken, it's been pretty hideous.

Yes. One friend in particular. I’ve realised I just don’t like her much and she irritates me profoundly. Trying to extricate myself but it’s hard as we have been in touch constantly during Covid. Another friend I realised was only interested in herself. I don’t want to see her again. Family members who I realise are totally selfish. Don’t know what to do about that. Covid has shone a bright light on everyone I think.

I’ve had a friendship ‘break-up’ with 2 people who I’ve known for 15-20 years as a result of COVID which has been pretty upsetting and surprisingly painful. They just seemed to totally disregard my needs (and I’m sure they feel the same about me). They want to meet up again but I’m thinking that I just want to leave it. On the other hand, a couple of people who were acquaintances have really stepped up and we are good friends now. There was a BBC article recently about this and it talked about how people move through friendships throughout life which made me feel a bit better.

Just remembered there is one friend I've decided to cut off. I've known her for years and she's part of a friendship group. But having a break from her made me realise I don't want to see her. She's always making snippy comments to me which I've let go so not to rock the boat. But, stuff it. Let that boat rock.

Yes definitely.

The last 18 months has shown me who my true friends are.

Some people have made the effort to stay in contact, phonecalls (when used to only text), meet ups when we could, just reaching out. I've really appreciated it and it's not been from the friends I would have expected 2 years ago.

3 friends have fallen by the wayside.
One from primary school who was always hard work but I stick with through loyalty. But I realised I was always the one chasing, always the one compromising. She stood me up one day. Never apologised. So I'm done. I feel guilty/ sad but need to get over that.

One uni friend, have drifted away from for years really. I felt she was more my friend than I was hers iykwim? Then she accused me of doing something I hadn't. Didn't apologize. I've not bothered chasing her since.

One I'm really not sure of. Think she is ghosting me. Ignores my messages. So I'm backing off for a while to see how it goes.

But as a counter o feel like I've really grown closer to other friends. Meet ups/ gifts/ messages of support etc. It's been lovely and I feel more bonded with these friends than before covid.