Hi Barbara…I’m really glad you posted this thread. I once was very proud of the multiple and lengthy close friendships my wife and I had. I always used to say that “a person’s true wealth could be measured in the quality friendships they had. ” Easy for me to say then—-not so easy now….Over the last 5 years I’ve lost friends to leaving the area, death and disagreements. The ones I’ve lost over disagreements confound me the most.—-My wife and I have had a few conversations over this topic. I’m 62 and marvel at how life is in a constant state of flux—-always moving—-whether I like it or not!—The truth is, is that voids are left in place of the rich, meaningful relationships. I miss them greatly……..I happened upon an article recently on Yahoo! that did some research on this very subject. A survey was taken and the results of that indicated that only a small percentage of friendships last—-at least in America. Indeed, I was talking to my son about this topic ( he’s 31) and the amount of contact with his childhood friends is non-existent and he still lives in the town he grew up in!