DrSkipper,

In my experience, it isn't uncommon for friendships to fall apart. People grow and change ideas at different rates of speed.

A few years ago, I lost a very dear friend (of 30 years!) when we just had nothing whatsoever in common anymore. I have been absolutely devastated by this loss!! My old friend is a very friendly, outgoing, well-adjusted, decent career woman who has grown into a wealthy, happily married mom. The only quality that we still share is that we're both moms. However, we have different perspectives on parenting as well (due to our very different childhoods). I have always loved my old friend to pieces and probably always will.

You may need to back off a little bit for awhile. Let your friend continue to grow. You'll grow too, it's okay. Just send a card to her, telling her that you're thinking about her or wish a happy birthday, and let it be. I'd say that she'll reciprocate if she still cares about you. When times become less hectic for her, maybe she'll want to spend some time with you just hanging out or meeting with sig others.

Just take a few deep breaths, it will become easier to accept as time passes and you develop new interests to explore with other people. You will develop new friendships, with those who share similar interests and experiences. It is hard to let go sometimes. But that's something that everyone has to learn to do some time in our lives.

Gentle hugs to you...