drifting apart

we rarely talk about it, but relationships don’t always last forever. people come into our lives, fill a space in our world, and sometimes, they leave. it’s easy to see this as a failure—something we could have prevented if we had just tried harder. but as i’ve learned, drifting apart isn’t always a bad thing. in fact, it’s often a natural and necessary part of life.

growing up, i didn’t have a lot of close friends. over time, i did connect with a few people, but many of those relationships faded away. sometimes it hurt, especially when i didn’t understand why it happened. did i do something wrong? was i not good enough? those thoughts used to linger, but now, i see things differently.

the truth is, we all grow and change. the person i was five years ago isn’t the person i am today, and the same is true for others. sometimes, the paths we’re walking no longer align, and that’s okay. not every relationship is meant to last a lifetime. some people come into our lives for a season, teach us something, and then move on. that doesn’t make the connection any less valuable.

drifting apart also creates space for new growth—both in ourselves and in the relationships we form. when someone leaves your life, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed; it means there’s an opportunity to reflect, to learn, and to grow. it’s a chance to focus on the connections that do remain and the ones yet to come.

what i’ve also realized is that letting go of a relationship doesn’t erase the good times. you can still treasure the memories and the lessons without holding on to the expectation that things should be the same forever. those moments mattered, and they always will, even if the person is no longer part of your life.

drifting apart doesn’t mean you’re alone. the connections that truly matter—the ones rooted in mutual understanding and respect—often withstand time and distance. and if they don’t, it’s okay. life is about evolving, and not every bond can grow in the same direction.

so, if you’ve found yourself drifting apart from someone, don’t be too hard on yourself. it’s not a failure; it’s just life. people grow, paths change, and sometimes, letting go is how we make room for what’s next.