Evolving Friendships

Today's topic is about something that, in my opinion, sometimes affects single women more than married women. Feel free to disagree, but because we are not intimately involved with someone, we often tend to spend more time with our female compatriots, thereby creating more complex relationships. Things that married women rely on their husbands for is often fulfilled by close friends for singles. This sometimes becomes problematic...

The context of this post is in reference to the recent deterioration of a very close personal friendship, and ultimately, the "break up" of the relationship. Like intimate relationships, sometimes actions, situations, and life changes necessitate the need for a "break up." At my age, I know myself well enough to know that 1) I have very high expectations for behavior, 2) I require finality, and 3) whether I like it or not, everyone doesn't like me nor do they have to. I have been called unforgiving on more than one occasion, but I would beg to differ that it's not unforgiving when you have forgiven the same action or situation time and time again in the past and simply don't want to do it anymore. Also, in my world, some things are simply unforgivable, and perhaps more importantly, so drastically change your view of that person that your friendship can never be the same.

Interestingly, Alexis Stewart, the daughter of Martha Stewart, was talking about this very thing on the Today Show this morning. The media has painted her as icy and cold, and her interactions with her former friend and the co-author of her book as uncomfortable. Perhaps my alternate perspective comes from simply identifying with her. Just some food for thought - would you stay with a boyfriend/husband who did not treat you as you wished to be treated? If the answer is no, why would you treat a "friend" differently? I think people change and relationships change. Both women were professional and cordial in the interview; what else does there need to be?