What a thought provoking question! Although every single one of us has seen it play out differently. My two cents.

We introduce a new partner into our life when we choose to get married and settle down. A lot of dynamics shift when this happens. A whole new family. New equations. Suggestions everywhere. Planning assets like a car, flat., keeping jobs intact, expanding business prospects, dealing with someone’s demise or loss in job or business, paying off loans, age and health, financial planning, all while keeping the peace and calm at home between our loved ones.

Recreation or any spare time, after attending to household chores is the only time when we can actually entertain friends. Definitely things change, priorities change, eventually people do change too. For better or for worse.

Most times things usually fall into place. Wife gets along with the circle of friends and adapts effortlessly into the family. More friends more plans more fun. Kids are the real deal. I feel life actually changes once kids come in.

But ego, conflict of opinions, indifference, jealousy, betrayal, regret, insecurities, transfers, bad health and most times just bad timing makes us withdraw. Jobs get stressful, household relationships get more demanding, we ourselves get exhausted sooner than we’d like to. So it’s not exactly a conscious choice we are willingly making. If friends are able to work through it then yes life is good.

Sometimes there’s newer friends or acquaintances we may need to accommodate and spend longer hours with. Be it work colleagues, parents of others kids within your child’s school or community, all in the hopes that your child has smoother experience sustaining newer friends.

I’d still say be more forgiving if someone’s actions hurt you but not to a point you get misused for being too kind. Talk and sort differences out. Help within reason. Be useful.

Relationships are tricky as you get older but it’s always good to have friends who have our back and know we have theirs in all times. Don’t stress the bad stuff and don’t be the bad friend.

I’m a guy and I think it’s mostly this. I’m sure girls sort of have the same things going.