Update: Possible Reconciliation?

One of my very first entries on this blog was in regard to a very close friendship that had recently resulted in a "break up." It was a very difficult decision for me, but I knew it was the right one.

There is another blog that I follow quite often, and the author is a single woman like me. Today, she posted a blog about a friendship break-up in her own life. Her words sounded so much like my own, but the feelings behind her words even more so.

I've never regretted my decision to end the friendship. Yet, last week, I did decide to accept her offer for drinks. And, perhaps surprisingly, it was refreshingly exciting to catch up with her and what's been going on in her life. Furthermore, I realized afterward that I had still been harboring some anger and resentment toward the fatal conclusion, and meeting with her lightened the load just a bit.

Now, in no way am I saying we are ever going to be as close as we once were, but I am now more appreciative of the times we shared and hopeful to at least keep up with the important moments in our lives going forward.

The single woman's post also made me reflect upon the differences between a platonic relationship and an intimate one. So many times, people, especially women, stay in a relationship with another who is, at minimum, treating them poorly. I have several friends who are in what I would label as abusive (whether physically or emotionally) relationships, and they are not only condoning the behavior, but even adding fuel to the fire. Regardless of the extent, why would we excuse behavior from someone we love but not from someone else? Should we not expect more, rather than less?

I'm visiting my family this weekend, including my friends who are family, and I am curious to know if the hurt has truly dissipated or if I've indeed changed beyond their love.