{"id":782,"date":"2022-01-10T13:27:39","date_gmt":"2022-01-10T13:27:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/?p=782"},"modified":"2022-01-10T13:27:39","modified_gmt":"2022-01-10T13:27:39","slug":"growing-apart-from-friends","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/communication\/growing-apart-from-friends\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Signs You Are Growing Apart from Friends"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Growing apart from friends is an undeniable part of getting older. Why does it happen and how can you recognize if this is what\u2019s going on in your friendship?<\/p>\n<p>It can be disappointing to see how <a href=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/communication\/when-friends-distance-themselves-from-you\/\">your college friend is getting distant<\/a>. You barely maintain any contact anymore. It\u2019s a shame since you used to have so much fun together.<\/p>\n<p>Or maybe it\u2019s you who is drifting apart from an old friend without even realizing it. In either case, check the signs below to know for sure.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_64 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #222222;color:#222222\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #222222;color:#222222\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/communication\/growing-apart-from-friends\/#7_Signs_You_Are_Growing_Apart_from_Your_Old_Friend\" title=\"7 Signs You Are Growing Apart from Your Old Friend\">7 Signs You Are Growing Apart from Your Old Friend<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/communication\/growing-apart-from-friends\/#1_You_dont_keep_regular_contact\" title=\"1. You don\u2019t keep regular contact\">1. You don\u2019t keep regular contact<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/communication\/growing-apart-from-friends\/#2_You_dont_feel_the_need_to_reach_out\" title=\"2. You don\u2019t feel the need to reach out\">2. You don\u2019t feel the need to reach out<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/communication\/growing-apart-from-friends\/#3_When_you_meet_up_its_not_really_fun\" title=\"3. When you meet up, it\u2019s not really fun\">3. When you meet up, it\u2019s not really fun<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/communication\/growing-apart-from-friends\/#4_You_are_not_interested_to_learn_their_news\" title=\"4. You are not interested to learn their news\">4. You are not interested to learn their news<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/communication\/growing-apart-from-friends\/#5_You_no_longer_%E2%80%98vibe\" title=\"5. You no longer \u2018vibe\u2019\">5. You no longer \u2018vibe\u2019<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/communication\/growing-apart-from-friends\/#6_You_have_a_different_circle_of_friends_with_whom_you_have_more_in_common\" title=\"6. You have a different circle of friends with whom you have more in common\">6. You have a different circle of friends with whom you have more in common<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/communication\/growing-apart-from-friends\/#7_You_no_longer_share_personal_stuff_with_them_or_care_to_keep_them_a_part_of_your_life\" title=\"7. You no longer share personal stuff with them or care to keep them a part of your life\">7. You no longer share personal stuff with them or care to keep them a part of your life<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/communication\/growing-apart-from-friends\/#Why_Do_Friends_Drift_Apart\" title=\"Why Do Friends Drift Apart?\">Why Do Friends Drift Apart?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/communication\/growing-apart-from-friends\/#1_Temporary_friendships\" title=\"1. Temporary friendships\">1. Temporary friendships<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/communication\/growing-apart-from-friends\/#2_Friendships_are_not_their_top_priority_in_life\" title=\"2. Friendships are not their top priority in life\">2. Friendships are not their top priority in life<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/communication\/growing-apart-from-friends\/#3_Life_circumstances\" title=\"3. Life circumstances\">3. Life circumstances<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/communication\/growing-apart-from-friends\/#4_Different_levels_of_emotional_maturity\" title=\"4. Different levels of emotional maturity\">4. Different levels of emotional maturity<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/communication\/growing-apart-from-friends\/#5_Misunderstanding_or_conflict\" title=\"5. Misunderstanding or conflict\">5. Misunderstanding or conflict<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/communication\/growing-apart-from-friends\/#Growing_Apart_from_Friends_Is_a_Part_of_Life\" title=\"Growing Apart from Friends Is a Part of Life\">Growing Apart from Friends Is a Part of Life<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Signs_You_Are_Growing_Apart_from_Your_Old_Friend\"><\/span>7 Signs You Are Growing Apart from Your Old Friend<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_You_dont_keep_regular_contact\"><\/span>1. You don\u2019t keep regular contact<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>When friends drift apart, the first stage is cutting off frequent contact. If you are doing it unknowingly, you may just forget to call or message your friend. You don\u2019t think or worry about them.<\/p>\n<p>At some point, you may realize that <a href=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/communication\/signs-your-friend-doesnt-care-about-you\/\">your friend is the only person who cares<\/a> to know how you are doing. They may still text you and give you phone calls, but as long as you don\u2019t show much interest, you hear from them less and less often.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_You_dont_feel_the_need_to_reach_out\"><\/span>2. You don\u2019t feel the need to reach out<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>You know you are growing apart from a friend when you don\u2019t miss them.<\/p>\n<p>Maybe you have different priorities in life right now or <a href=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/mind\/you-are-who-you-hang-out-with\/\">hang out with other people<\/a>. Whatever it is, you don\u2019t feel the need to keep in touch or suggest meeting up.<\/p>\n<p>Your friend is the only one who still reaches out now and then. They will occasionally invite you to a gathering or suggest an activity to do together.<\/p>\n<p>When it happens, you usually say yes out of habit, without being overly enthusiastic though. Or maybe you find an excuse to not go at all.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_When_you_meet_up_its_not_really_fun\"><\/span>3. When you meet up, it\u2019s not really fun<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-700\" src=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/body-language-no-smile.jpg\" alt=\"no fun\" width=\"800\" height=\"530\" srcset=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/body-language-no-smile.jpg 800w, https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/body-language-no-smile-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/body-language-no-smile-768x509.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Probably the most <a href=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/communication\/feeling-disappointed-in-people\/\">disappointing part<\/a> of growing apart from friends is when you realize you no longer have fun with them.<\/p>\n<p>Your get-togethers feel more like an obligation to you. You feel that you owe your friends, so you need to show up, even though you don\u2019t really want to.<\/p>\n<p>When you meet up with your old friend, you get bored. Maybe you even feel awkward in their company. It seems like there is not much you can talk about, and your friend has turned into a stranger you no longer know and understand.<\/p>\n<p>You might be catching yourself recalling the moments of fun you had in the past and wondering where it all went wrong.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_You_are_not_interested_to_learn_their_news\"><\/span>4. You are not interested to learn their news<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>When there is no interest, there is no friendship. It goes both ways. So, if you are not really interested to stay updated on your friend\u2019s life, your friendship is dying.<\/p>\n<p>At some point, you just realize you are behind on what\u2019s going on in their life. It turns out that your school friend got married, went for a career change, or moved to a different neighborhood. And you had no idea.<\/p>\n<p>So, when you two meet up, it feels like you are talking to some distant relative or acquaintance, not the person you were once close to.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_You_no_longer_%E2%80%98vibe\"><\/span>5. You no longer \u2018vibe\u2019<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>This is another painful realization that comes from growing apart from friends. You no longer resonate with each other. There is nothing to talk about, there is no deep connection. You feel like your friend doesn\u2019t get you anymore.<\/p>\n<p>It could be that you don\u2019t find the same things funny or interesting. They don\u2019t understand your motives. They don\u2019t share your views.<\/p>\n<p>Once again, you feel like you are in the company of a total stranger, not a good old friend who gave you so many memories and happy moments.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_You_have_a_different_circle_of_friends_with_whom_you_have_more_in_common\"><\/span>6. You have a different circle of friends with whom you have more in common<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Over years, your social circle has changed. You now hang out with other people who get you much better than your childhood friend. You are at the same level in life and have much more in common with them.<\/p>\n<p>When you hang out with your old friend, you catch yourself comparing them to your new circle. You realize that your new friends are much more mature, interesting, and fun to be with.<\/p>\n<p>This is when you know for sure you\u2019ve outgrown your school friend.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_You_no_longer_share_personal_stuff_with_them_or_care_to_keep_them_a_part_of_your_life\"><\/span>7. You no longer share personal stuff with them or care to keep them a part of your life<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-719\" src=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/outgrowing-a-friendship-signs.jpg\" alt=\"outgrowing a friendship signs\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/outgrowing-a-friendship-signs.jpg 800w, https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/outgrowing-a-friendship-signs-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/outgrowing-a-friendship-signs-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>This is another telling sign that you are drifting apart from a friend. Since you don\u2019t feel a bond with them anymore, you avoid getting too personal. You are not even sure if your friend will understand you.<\/p>\n<p>So you don\u2019t share personal problems with them like you used to. Your conversations have become more superficial and impersonal.<\/p>\n<p>You also don\u2019t bother to keep them informed about your life. Maybe you even forget to tell them about important things that happen to you. Or to invite them to your birthday party. You are afraid that your childhood friend won\u2019t fit in with your new circle.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Do_Friends_Drift_Apart\"><\/span>Why Do Friends Drift Apart?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If you identify with the above, you might want to know why friends drift apart over years. Why do you feel this way about someone who used to be your intimate friend in school or college?<\/p>\n<p>There can be a few reasons:<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Temporary_friendships\"><\/span>1. Temporary friendships<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Many of those we hang out with are temporary friends. What does it mean?<\/p>\n<p>Most of the people we meet remain our friends as long as we are at the same life stage. Or when we share the same study\/work environment. As soon as you graduate from college or quit a job, they disappear from your life too.<\/p>\n<p>Why does it happen? Because you were not compatible in the first place. Your friendship was superficial and revolved around day-to-day happenings, such as college papers, office gossip, or work tasks.<\/p>\n<p>You may have had fun back then, but you never shared a deep connection.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Friendships_are_not_their_top_priority_in_life\"><\/span>2. Friendships are not their top priority in life<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Most of us like gatherings and get-togethers when we are young. From our teenage years to our 20s, our friendships are among the most important things we have in life.<\/p>\n<p>But as we grow older, our priorities change. Some of us devote ourselves to our families, others are busy building a career.<\/p>\n<p>Most people <a href=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/personality\/socially-selective-person-signs\/\">become more socially selective<\/a> as they age. So you and your old friend may not find social activities worth your time anymore. Or you prefer to hang out with your family and work friends.<\/p>\n<p>This is how most friends drift apart \u2013 usually, it happens unintentionally. They just don\u2019t stay in touch as regularly as before. And this is how the end of a friendship starts.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Life_circumstances\"><\/span>3. Life circumstances<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Life moves forward, and our circumstances change. Someone moves to another city, someone else gets married and is buried in family responsibilities. There can be many obstacles to a friendship.<\/p>\n<p>If you are concerned about your friends drifting apart, think about it. Maybe your friend\u2019s wife doesn\u2019t like him to hang out with his old circle. Or he is so overloaded with work that he barely has any time for himself.<\/p>\n<p>Yes, you may say that it\u2019s a matter of priorities, and you will be right. But sometimes circumstances are more powerful than our will.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Different_levels_of_emotional_maturity\"><\/span>4. Different levels of emotional maturity<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/communication\/outgrowing-your-friends-signs\/\">We outgrow our friends<\/a> because we are no longer at the same level of emotional maturity. You vibed well in college, but your friend seems to have stayed there while you have advanced.<\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s the reason you don\u2019t feel connected to your friend anymore. You have different interests and priorities in life, so you begin to grow apart from them without even realizing it. You are more drawn to people who are as mature as you are.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Misunderstanding_or_conflict\"><\/span>5. Misunderstanding or conflict<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-531\" src=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/toxic-co-worker-signs.jpg\" alt=\"signs of an introvert conflict\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/toxic-co-worker-signs.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/toxic-co-worker-signs-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/toxic-co-worker-signs-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/toxic-co-worker-signs-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s probably the most common reason why people grow apart from each other. If something happened between you, it\u2019s difficult to restore the trust and connection you used to have.<\/p>\n<p>Maybe your friend betrayed you or misunderstood your choices. Or maybe you were the one who broke their trust.<\/p>\n<p>If the conflict situation was severe enough, it makes sense why you drifted apart from each other. Some things can\u2019t be fixed, and trust is certainly one of those.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Growing_Apart_from_Friends_Is_a_Part_of_Life\"><\/span>Growing Apart from Friends Is a Part of Life<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>How to cope if you are drifting apart from someone who used to be your best friend in school or college? Realize that it\u2019s a normal part of getting older. Not all people we hang out with as children and teens are meant to stick with us for a lifetime.<\/p>\n<p>So, make peace with this experience and remember that true friends will always stay by your side. If you no longer feel connected to someone, then most likely, this friendship was not meant to last.<\/p>\n<p>Instead of getting blue, be grateful for all the fun and happiness you had with your old friend. Now, it\u2019s time to let them go.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Growing apart from friends is an undeniable part of getting older. Why does it happen and how can you recognize if this is what\u2019s going on in your friendship? It can be disappointing to see how your college friend is getting distant. You barely maintain any contact anymore. It\u2019s a shame since you used to &#8230; <a title=\"7 Signs You Are Growing Apart from Friends\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/communication\/growing-apart-from-friends\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about 7 Signs You Are Growing Apart from Friends\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":786,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[29],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/782"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=782"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/782\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":787,"href":"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/782\/revisions\/787"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/786"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=782"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=782"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/powerofmisfits.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=782"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}