Facebookin'

I like Facebook and I don't like Facebook.

I like the window-into-the-world-of-your-friends aspect of Facebook. It's a not-so-personal way of keeping track of people and at least knowing where they are, what they're doing, et cetera.

I don't always like all of the inane status updates and quizzes and crap. But I like the fact that you can hide these things.

And I don't like how people you've not spoken to in years, with whom you had a strained or non-existent relationship in the past, suddenly think time hasn't moved on and wonder why you are ignoring them or something. They send you messages asking what they've done to you or why your mad at them.

Dear person from my past,

Uh, we've not spoken to each other in x years ( x > five years). What do you want from me? I mean, you've really caught me on a bad day, because I'm not in the mood for this. I don't know what you expect from me or want me to say. Even when we were in better communication, our friendship was strained. There are obviously reasons why people fall out of touch, but I really don't have the time, energy, or inclination to delve into the recesses of my mind to figure out the particulars of this case. The simple fact is that we don't know each other anymore, I've moved forward with my life, and don't feel like attempting to resurrect a friendship that really wasn't working when it fizzled out.

Best of luck and all that jazz,
Bitch

That's what I want to write. Will I? No. I'll try to find some tactful way of putting it. But it's the gist of it. Am I sorry for hurting this person's feelings? Yes. But life is increasingly shorter and I would much rather focus my energies elsewhere.

Losing or outgrowing friends is a part of life. It sucks and I don't like it, but it's a fact. Whether for good or bad, some people drop in and out of our lives. Sometimes they're the people we'd least expect. Uh, when was the last time I heard from Old Mavis? Couldn't tell you. Would I have expected it to end this way a couple of years ago? No. But am I really shocked? Not when I think about it.

Friends coming and going is one of the things I really dislike. And, since I find myself in a massive transition, some of my friendships are going to be tested. I know this. It sucks, but it's life. I know that some will not make it, but some most definitely will. However, I have learned not to gamble or try to figure out which ones will thrive and which ones will bite it.

ps. I'm kinda bitchy this morning.