Friend is acting distant/different, what should I do?

Either try to talk with your friend or let it go. Be your best self; moving is always stressful and can manifest itself in different kinds of behaviors.

@gailcalled I talked to them about it, and they seemed clueless about their behavior – though they seem to show that they care somewhat, they still act the same. What do you mean by letting it go?

I mean to stop brooding about it. You can never change anyone else’s behavior, you know. Only yours.

I am sure that losing this friend does sting, but this will happen again in your life. There is often no clear reason.

Focus on things that bring you pleasure. (How old are you?)

You are right. The funny thing is though, THEY seem to act hurt when I act distant as well… so it’s very confusing. I am 22.

This corny email forward seems appropriate for your situation. Sounds like these are “season” friends. In your life you will have many more. Take it from an old lady. :-)

“Many of us are fortunate enough to have friends who are a consistent part of our lives throughout all our ups and downs. However, sometimes others we consider friends appear to enter, then depart from our lives for reasons we try to, but don’t always, understand. This piece nicely explains the flow of people in and out of our lives.

It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you figure out which one it is, you will know what to do for each person.

When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend, and they are! They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part, or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered. And now it is time to move on.

Then people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn. They bring you an experience of peace, or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons: things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person, and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life”

@Judi Wow, that is a wonderful corny forward. Thank you for sharing. :) Makes so much sense.

Friendship isn’t all or nothing. I haven’t talked to one of my best friends from high school in years. I don’t even know how to get a hold of him if I wanted too. But I still love the dude and would let him crash on my couch forever if he needed to.

Sometimes shit gets rough. Parents get divorced, pets die. All types of things can change peoples behavior. You might be great friends and they just don’t want to tell you. I hid the fact my mom was in jail while I was in high school. <—It was fucked up lying to all my friends when I had to explain why I lived with my sister.

@johnpowell Thank you, very true. This friend has difficulty opening up so it makes sense. I guess all I can do is continue to try and be a good friend and not take it all so personally.

It could also be that they aren’t really a friend, but actually an acquaintance. Relationships sometimes serve purposes, and if you’re both moving soon, then perhaps this relationship has run its course.