In the realm of personal skills, I find myself lacking in numerous areas, yet I remain largely unfazed. For instance, I often struggle with the simplest tasks—peeling hard-boiled eggs results in half of the egg white sticking to the shell, and sports are not my forte. Mathematics? Let’s just say my high school algebra teacher would be appalled by my current lack of knowledge. Fashionably assembling an outfit without consulting Pinterest or a mannequin is a challenge I often evade. While I acknowledge these shortcomings, they generally don’t bother me. However, there is one aspect that does weigh heavily on my conscience: my friendships.
When it comes to maintaining friendships, I can only describe myself as a procrastinator, or perhaps a slacker. I frequently fail to respond to texts, snaps, or messages on social media in a timely manner. Phone calls often go unanswered, and my intentions to return them sometimes evaporate into thin air. There are times when entire months pass without meaningful communication. If my friends don’t actively pull me out of my shell or drop by unexpectedly, weeks can go by without us connecting.
Though I might post a humorous meme or leave a comment on their social media to let them know I’m still around, my actual engagement is minimal. I tend to keep a low profile, observing my friends’ lives through a quick scroll on Facebook, reassured by the knowledge that they’re managing just fine on their own.
My affection for my friends is genuine and profound, and I think about them regularly—often multiple times a day. In times of crisis, I’m the first to show up, ready to help at any hour. Yet when it comes to the mundane exchanges of daily life, I struggle to reach out and simply say “hello.” A thought will pop into my mind about a friend, and I’ll think, “I should tell them this,” but life’s distractions often get in the way.
The truth is, as life has become busier—filled with work, household responsibilities, and children—I have found it increasingly challenging to prioritize friendships. I used to be a more engaged friend in my younger years, when I had the energy and time for chats and girls’ nights out. Now, I can barely summon the motivation to tackle chores like folding laundry.
I have lost connections due to my tendency to go MIA, and while I can’t fault those who distance themselves, I recognize that those were likely surface-level friendships. My true friends understand my sporadic disappearances; they don’t take it personally when I retreat into my own world, overwhelmed and juggling countless obligations. During such times, regular communication takes a backseat, and my interaction might only consist of likes or quick messages sent during brief moments of downtime.
The comforting aspect of my friendships is that my friends accept me for who I am. They don’t judge me when I flake out or when my anxiety makes me retreat. The fact that I can disconnect without fear of losing their support is telling; I know they’ll be waiting when I’m ready to reconnect. When I finally resurface, it feels as though no time has passed, and our bond remains intact.
For those navigating similar challenges, consider exploring resources like Mount Sinai’s infertility resources, which provide valuable information on related topics. If you’re interested in starting your own journey into parenthood, check out this at-home insemination kit, as well as boost fertility supplements, which are great for anyone considering home insemination.
In summary, while I may struggle to keep in touch with my friends amidst the chaos of life, the bonds we share remain strong. True friendship is resilient, thriving even when communication falters.
Leave a Reply