I've realised that genuine friends are very difficult to find. The disappointment of seeing members of your circle getting on better without you is hurtful.

Even long-standing friendships can fail. It happened to me because this friend changed into someone I no longer liked. She was the boss at home so thought she could behave the same way with friends. A few unacceptable comments about someone who was too young to understand made me see her in a different light.

Many years ago, an ex-colleague asked me why I was friendly with a particular female in the office. She didn't enjoy the best of health but was obnoxious and thought everyone loved her.

Sometimes making friends is easy, other times it can be full of disappointment. As with lots of things in life, it is a lottery!