A few days ago, I dropped by a friend\’s office. We ended up chatting for almost an hour, especially about my move from Pittsburgh and my reluctance to let go. For me, I find it easy to keep in touch with people, until the moment it\’s not reciprocal. I believe I have made every effort to stay connected with those that matter. I always send the cards, remember the birthdays, all just to be in touch. People fade, sure.

Yet one thing, my friend mentioned is that if he did that, he wouldn\’t have time for himself. That friends relish in their friends\’ success even if they don\’t keep in touch. That friends will be happier if you succeed. That presence doesn\’t matter in friendship.

I never liked the idea that there are people who are friends simply because of proximity and that once distance sets in, it\’s nothing really more until the next time you meet. But change always happens. We always move on.

Like any female on this planet, I destress by connecting with others. The \”tend and befriend\” effect. To be without seems unsteady and imbalanced. I cannot hole up by myself staring at the screen. I need the connection and the presence. That\’s really who I am.