They often compare friendships to plants; if neglected, they wither and fade away. But can a friendship genuinely thrive when it exists solely in the digital realm?
When I first crossed paths with Mia during a particularly challenging phase of my life, she was gearing up for the joys of motherhood. At eight months pregnant, she was celebrating her impending maternity leave, while I was navigating my own personal turmoil. I had contributed to her work baby shower gift, even though I couldn’t attend the event due to a meeting. Shortly after, she emailed me her gratitude. Despite having shared only brief encounters in the office, we exchanged phone numbers that day.
That evening, feeling isolated and downcast, I received my first message from her: “Hey! It was wonderful speaking with you today. Thank you for the gift; it truly meant a lot.” That initial text lifted my spirits. Soon, we were exchanging messages for hours, and it became a daily ritual. Our conversations were extensive, turning my phone into an extension of myself, whether at work, home, or on the go.
Months later, after her daughter was born, she made a brief visit to my workplace. It was appreciated but fleeting. Throughout various life events, like my breakup and home renovations, Mia was there—via text. I attended her daughter’s first birthday, celebrated her birthday, and joined her for barbecues.
Fast forward six years, and while we still text every day, we have never truly hung out. I attempted to change that, suggesting various get-togethers—a barbecue here, a lunch there, even a simple mall stroll. Each time, something came up, and she would cancel, leaving me perplexed.
There was an ironic six-month period when the tables turned; it was my turn to be pregnant. What stung most was when she texted me just three minutes before my baby shower, saying she couldn’t attend. I felt hurt and unsure of how to respond. I never received a gift, nor did she check in afterward.
A few months after my son was born, a familiar text arrived from Mia: “Hi! I saw photos of your son on Facebook—he’s adorable! Congratulations!” My heart softened, and soon enough, our daily texts resumed as if no time had passed. After she announced her second pregnancy, I eagerly showed up for her baby shower. But when I asked to meet for lunch to catch up, she canceled again at the last minute.
Despite my efforts, her consistent cancellations have left me wondering why. I see her enjoying outings with others, which adds to my confusion. I understand that both of us are busy with motherhood, yet I strive to honor our plans, unlike her recurring last-minute changes.
Now, I’m resigned to the reality that our relationship is one of daily texts without in-person meetups. While I truly harbor no resentment, I won’t expend energy trying to arrange meetings anymore. Some moments were significant to me, and I’ve realized I deserve better than repeated disappointments.
I’ve nurtured our friendship as best as I could, and now it’s her turn to invest in us.
For anyone considering family planning, resources like Cryobaby at Home Insemination Kit are great for home insemination. Additionally, the BabyMaker at Home Insemination Kit provides a wealth of information. For further insights on fertility and pregnancy, Cleveland Clinic’s podcast is an excellent resource.
In conclusion, although my friendship with Mia has flourished in text form, the lack of in-person connection has prompted me to reassess its importance in my life, focusing instead on what truly matters.
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