Now that you have an idea of the characteristics and feelings of your friendship, it’s time to consider which category it falls under.
Reason: If your friendship is for a reason, it usually means that there’s something in each of your lives that you help each other with. Maybe they helped you through a divorce, adjust to a new hometown, or uncover a hidden hobby. Whatever it was, that person came into your life for a specific reason in a time of need. Thus when that need’s been met, the friendship might fade. Usually it’s because there isn’t a deeper connection or common interest beyond what they helped you with. But that’s ok because the friendship played its part -for both of you.
Season: When a friendship is for a season then it’s possible that you’re both on a similar life path, thus you can assist one another with your growth. Common seasonal friendships occur during the different phases of our lives, such as schooling, workplace, parenthood, or retirement. We make friends with others who are in the same stage of life as we are. So when a seasonal friendship ends, it’s usually because you’re both moving onto a new phase in life where you might not need one another anymore. Instead, you can find a new friendship that will match your next steps.
Lifetime: A friendship that lasts a lifetime is one that can withstand any hardship or change that comes your way. No matter your location, life path, or relationship status, this kind of friendship survives it all. When you know a person inside and out, have a shared history, and can still continue to surprise one another, they are usually in your life for good. These types of friendship are rare as most people change in different directions. Life pulls them apart. So when someone understands, trusts, and believes in you completely –and it’s reciprocated- it’s for good.