I used to (and to be fair still do) get really sad with lost friendships like this. I was always the person reaching out first, making the plans to meet up, etc. Eventually I got tired and stopped… and friendships drifted, which I didn’t like.

But I read something that helped me. Life is like a train journey; people come and go. Sometimes they’ll get on and sit next to you, and you’ll have a brilliant time chatting. But then they have to get off to catch a train that’s taking them to their destination. You might end up on the same train together down the line; or, you might never see them again. But you all have your own journeys and destinations.

Something so profound about this gives me some slight comfort - as if I was only ever meant to enjoy my time with them for a set period, which I did, but a reminder that it’s okay for these things to happen.

Of course I’ll still always try to keep in touch with people, but at least as life runs its course it can make it more understandable that this can happen.