True friendship is something that can never be replaced and should always be valued.

A few months ago, one of my longest and closest friends and I were at odds.

Nothing happened, but everything happened.

We are all getting older and after 30 years of friendship, things changed, as they inevitably do.

Both of us were feeling different ways about the relationship and how it should look going forward.

So, I decided that it was probably time to simply move on and “end” the relationship.

Well, my dear friend felt different.

We had a few discussions, driven by his desire to keep the friendship.

What we both took away from this was that while things had changed, the relationship is still something that we both valued and were committed to.

All relationships come under challenges at times. And that’s perfectly ok. Things are not supposed to always be easy.

Times will get tough and then they will get better again.

The key is remembering that when those challenging times come, talk about it. Be clear about what is important. Never settle. Never assume.

Look, real friendship is hard to find. But at the same time, hanging onto a relationship just “because” doesn’t make sense either.

Time changes us AND heals all things.

Clarity comes from conversation and time together.

Real friendship and the time spent building that friendship is not something easily replaced.

Keeping in mind that it’s the biggest challenge and also one that requires the most attention.

So, I urge you to reach out to that old friend today, that family member you haven’t spoken to in a long time, that person you respect but haven’t contact in a while.

And tell them how you feel – you’ll never regret it!

-J.D.