A friendship is just that. A friendship.
Two people connected platonically, choosing each other in a way that doesn’t come with romance or obligation. And yet, sometimes friendships carry the emotional weight of a full-blown relationship. Heavy expectations. Unspoken rules. Quiet resentment.
I often question why does this happen.
When did being a friend start meaning always being available? Why does it feel uncomfortable for some when a friend starts dating, or shifts their time, or simply lives a life that doesn’t revolve around them? Why does closeness sometimes turn into pressure?
Friendships matter. They are some of the most intimate bonds we form. They see us through heartbreak, growth, and versions of ourselves we may never show anyone else. But closeness doesn’t mean ownership.
Life changes. People grow. Time stretches thin in ways we don’t always expect. And no matter how much love exists, no one has unlimited access to another person’s time or energy. That doesn’t make the friendship weaker. It makes it human.
I think where things get complicated is when boundaries aren’t spoken, but expectations still exist. When support quietly turns into dependence. When love turns into guilt. When being a good friend starts feeling like something you have to prove.
Healthy friendships leave room to breathe. They don’t punish you for evolving or for building other connections. They understand that presence can look different in different seasons, and that distance doesn’t always mean disconnection.
Maybe friendship isn’t about constant access or shared time at every turn. Maybe it’s about trust. About knowing that even when life pulls you in different directions, the bond doesn’t disappear.
Because the strongest friendships don’t demand your time.
Love ya, BYE!
Tee Talk 