Burning Bridges

I did a bit of a tour around some friends and acquaintances’ blogs and online journals just to see what was up. I’m truly intrigued by some things that have been stated. I now have a feeling that I’ve truly been burning bridges with a few of them. By “burning bridges”, I mean ending friendships without looking back.

Someone recently wrote about becoming comfortable around a set of friends, and fearing that the friends will react differently to the more “real” person. That may be the case, but I truly believe that most friends will stick together even after seeing the “true self”. The thing is, as the person changing, you cannot just make judgment so hastily and assume the that you are automatically hated and have become a parasite. Far from it. Humans are habitual creatures, right? Of course people are going to react if something is different. The difference is that people that care about you will stick around.

Also consider that at the same time you are changing, your friends are evolving in the same manner.

I don’t consider myself to be an ogre. I don’t suddenly end things on whim because of some obscure reason that only has meaning in my mind. Far from it. I’ve stated many times that I’m a very sensitive guy; and I will stand by that statement wholeheartedly. So, why the change in attitude?

I’m changing. I no longer want to be trampled on just because I’m conscientious of how other people feel. I will be loud and obnoxious when I need to be. I will be sensitive and caring when I need to be. No matter what though, I will be your friend because I am loyal.

That said, I expect the same. I will respect you even when you may be acting like a fucking-pain-in-the-ass (everyone has their moments)–if only because you put up with my jackass ways.

If you think I’m turning my back on you, that’s unfortunate. If I truly am, it’s because I’m not getting the reciprocal respect I’m giving out. Otherwise, it’s all in your mind.

Possibly related posts:

1. Burning and recharging
2. Burning it all down to ash
3. Burning things down/building things back up