Press Article: Navigating Friendships in Later Life: A Delicate Balance
In a recent advice column, a reader shared her struggle with a high school friend, referred to as "Sue," whom she has been reconnecting with in their 60s. Despite good intentions, the reader finds herself making excuses to avoid meetings, describing Sue as boring and her interactions as burdensome. Sue, who has never married or had children and is now retired, often reaches out for social activities like shopping and dinner.
The reader has suggested volunteering as a way to foster mutual interests, but Sue has shown little enthusiasm. Feeling torn between kindness and obligation, she’s contemplating ghosting Sue, which she feels goes against her nature. The dilemma raises questions about the challenges of sustaining friendships, especially when personal interests evolve.
In response, columnist R. Eric Thomas emphasizes that it’s not selfish to prioritize one’s own happiness and time with family over unfulfilling friendships. He suggests that instead of disappearing, the reader should communicate openly with Sue about her limited availability, mentioning her desire to focus on her grandchildren and other aspects of her life.
Thomas acknowledges the difficulty of maintaining connections and encourages the reader to remain empathetic while setting boundaries. He suggests reintroducing the idea of volunteering, which could potentially reignite a shared interest, but also affirms that it’s acceptable to moderate social commitments for the sake of personal well-being.
Ultimately, the advice highlights the importance of authentic communication in friendships and the need for individuals to assess what brings them joy and fulfillment, particularly as life circumstances change.
For more insights, reach out to R. Eric Thomas at eric@askingeric.com or follow him on Instagram.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
