When someone sees the same people every day…they wind up becoming part of that person’s life. And then they want the person to change. If someone isn’t what others want them to be, the others become angry. Everyone seems to have a clear idea of how other people should lead their lives, but none about his or her own. – The Alchemist

All I will say about this is that I am guilty of doing this to a dear friend of mine. I believe I had done it to the point where I had chipped away completely at a friendship that eventually cracked the foundation into unstable pieces. I often feel this disconnect but alas, I have only myself to blame. Sometime you can push people right out of your life, to the point where they only appear as guests starring in your life from time to time.

There was a shift I experienced, where at first, I went forth guns blazing with all the “here’s what you did wrong to me.” The response: the same thing basically, all the things I did wrong to that person in criticizing their life choices. However, it surprised me, not because it was unexpected, but because I had no idea that my actions had been eroding the friendship in that manner. I was horrified and felt responsible. So immediately, I wanted to resolve it. But, I’m sad to report that a proper and through conversation is yet to be had. We are just moving on, and it’s fine. But, I fear the cracks that remain. And, sometimes, I think, I hope, that letting things go and replacing with better memories will be enough to repair the damage.

May Allah grant us all compassion, understanding, patience and love for our fellow humans, iA.

Stay blessed!

Peace be upon you.