People who grow apart from friends as they get older display these 7 behaviors (without realizing it)

Growth is an inevitable part of life. As we age, we often find that our circle of friends changes. Some friendships strengthen, while others fade away.
There’s a common misconception that growing apart from friends indicates a personal failure. But I’ve come to realize that this shifting landscape of relationships is simply a natural reflection of our personal evolution.
As we grow older and continue to learn about ourselves, our wants, needs, values, and behaviors inevitably change. And sometimes, these changes can lead to us growing apart from friends without even realizing it.
In my journey, I’ve identified seven behaviors characteristic of those who, like me, have found themselves growing apart from friends as they navigate the complexities of adulthood.
1) Embracing personal growth
One of the most transformative aspects of getting older is personal growth. This growth often leads us to explore new interests, values, and ways of being that may not align with our former selves.
As we evolve, it’s natural that the dynamics of some friendships will change. Friends who once shared your interests and values may no longer resonate with you in the same way.
This is not a reflection on your friend’s worth or a judgment on their path—it’s simply a recognition of your own personal evolution.
The challenge lies in acknowledging this shift without guilt or resentment. It’s easy to cling to relationships out of a sense of obligation or fear of loneliness. But staying in friendships that no longer serve you can hinder your growth and authentic self-expression.
Your journey is unique, and it’s okay for your social circle to reflect this evolution. Embrace the changes, cherish the memories, but also don’t be afraid to move forward with your life.
Your personal growth should never be compromised for the sake of maintaining status quo in friendships. After all, true friends should support and celebrate each other’s growth, even if it means growing apart.
2) Prioritizing authenticity
Another behavior I’ve noticed in people who grow apart from friends as they get older is an increased prioritization of authenticity. As we mature, the desire to be our most authentic selves often intensifies.
This can mean shedding the masks we used to wear in order to fit into certain social circles.
Authenticity can be a challenging path to walk. It requires vulnerability and courage to show up as our true selves, especially when it means going against the grain. But it’s also incredibly liberating.
In my own life, I’ve found that some friendships were based more on shared pretenses than real connection. As I began prioritizing authenticity, these relationships naturally fell away. It’s not that these friends were “bad” or “wrong” in any way. We simply no longer aligned.
As the poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou once said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
When we commit to authenticity, we invite others to do the same. We create connections based on mutual respect and understanding, which are far more rewarding than those based on pretenses.
3) Seeking personal liberation
As we grow older, many of us begin to question the societal norms and expectations that have influenced our relationships and behaviors. I’ve found this to be a common characteristic among those who experience shifts in their friendships.
One way to navigate this process is through personal liberation – breaking free from the constraints of societal conditioning and embracing our true nature. This shift in mindset plays a crucial role in fostering more authentic relationships as we age.
To facilitate this journey, I recommend participating in the “Free Your Mind” masterclass with the shaman Rudá Iandê. This enlightening journey has helped countless individuals, including myself, transcend limiting beliefs and embrace greater authenticity and freedom in life.
In this masterclass, you’ll gain valuable insights into aligning your thoughts and actions with your personal values.
You’ll learn how to break free from mental and cultural conditioning, leading to improved mental clarity, emotional resilience, and a deeper understanding of yourself.
This unique approach to personal development can be a powerful tool as you navigate changes in your friendships and seek to cultivate connections that truly resonate with your evolving self.
Take the leap. Embrace personal liberation and see how it transforms not only your friendships but also your entire life. Join the Free Your Mind masterclass today.
4) Recognizing the value of solitude
In line with personal liberation, one behavior I’ve noticed in those who grow apart from friends as they get older is a newfound appreciation for solitude.
Solitude can often be misinterpreted as loneliness, but there’s a significant difference. Loneliness is feeling alone and wishing for company, while solitude is being alone and enjoying your own company.
It’s in these quiet moments with ourselves that we often gain the most profound insights and clarity about our lives.
As we mature and prioritize authenticity, we may find that our tolerance for superficial social interactions diminishes. We may choose to spend more time alone, focusing on personal growth and self-reflection. This shift can naturally lead to distance in some friendships.
Let’s be raw and honest here: embracing solitude can be challenging. It forces us to confront aspects of ourselves that we might have avoided through continuous social engagement. But it’s also deeply rewarding and crucial for our personal development.
Reflect on this: How comfortable are you with your own company? Could solitary moments be the key to understanding your evolving relationships?
5) Welcoming change
One of the most counterintuitive aspects of growing apart from friends as we age is that it’s not always a negative process. Often, it’s quite the opposite.
Change can be uncomfortable, but it’s a necessary part of life. It’s through change that we grow, learn, and evolve. This is true for our personal journeys, and it’s equally true for our relationships.
As we get older and our priorities shift, it’s natural for our friendships to change as well. Some friends may drift away while new ones enter our lives. This is not a sign of failure or a cause for regret—it’s simply a reflection of our own growth and evolution.
In line with my belief in the transformative power of self-awareness and personal growth, I see this process as an opportunity rather than a loss. It’s an invitation to reassess our relationships, ensuring they align with our evolving selves.
Change is not something to be feared or avoided. It’s a natural part of life and a testament to our continual growth. Embrace it, welcome it, and remember: growth often involves growing apart, but it also means growing anew.
6) Practicing conscious communication
As we age, our communication skills often mature along with us. We learn to express ourselves more authentically, to listen more deeply, and to navigate difficult conversations with grace.
In some friendships, this evolution in communication may highlight discrepancies. Perhaps you’ve grown more comfortable expressing your feelings and needs, while a friend remains trapped in patterns of passive-aggressiveness or defensiveness.
Or maybe you’re seeking deeper conversations, but your friend prefers to keep things light and superficial.
These discrepancies are not inherently problematic. They’re simply differences to be navigated. However, if they’re causing consistent tension or dissatisfaction in the friendship, it might be time to reassess.
Conscious communication is about expressing ourselves honestly and listening with empathy. It’s about creating a safe space for authentic interaction. If a friendship is not fostering this kind of communication, growing apart may be the natural outcome.
In the context of our evolving friendships, conscious communication is a crucial tool. It helps us to understand and navigate the shifts in our relationships, paving the way for more authentic connections.
7) Cultivating self-compassion
One behavior that often accompanies growing apart from friends as we age is an increased practice of self-compassion.
As we mature and our self-awareness deepens, we begin to recognize our inherent worth, independent of external validation. This shift can significantly alter our relationships. We no longer seek validation from friends but instead validate ourselves.
This doesn’t mean we don’t appreciate or value feedback from friends. Rather, it means that we don’t rely on it to determine our worth or make decisions.
Practicing self-compassion can sometimes lead us away from friendships that are based on co-dependency or mutual validation. And that’s okay. It’s a sign of growth and emotional maturity.
In relation to the changes in our friendships, self-compassion allows us to navigate these shifts without self-judgment or guilt. It encourages us to honor our needs and boundaries, even if it means letting go of certain friendships.
Cultivating self-compassion is a vital part of personal development and plays a significant role in our evolving friendships. It empowers us to make choices that align with our authentic selves, leading to more meaningful connections.
Embracing the evolution of friendships
In this article, we’ve journeyed through the multifaceted process of how our friendships evolve as we grow older. Acknowledging and accepting these shifts can be challenging, but they’re also a testament to our personal growth and evolution.
From embracing personal growth and prioritizing authenticity, to recognizing the value of solitude and welcoming change, these behaviors all contribute to our ongoing journey of self-discovery and self-expression.
It’s through these shifts that we cultivate deeper self-awareness and more meaningful connections.
Practicing conscious communication and cultivating self-compassion are vital tools in navigating these changes. They empower us to make choices that align with our evolving selves, leading to more aligned relationships.
For those seeking to delve deeper into these principles, I highly recommend the “Free Your Mind” masterclass with Rudá Iandê.
In this masterclass, which I co-produced, Rudá guides participants through exercises designed to break free from societal conditioning and embrace their true nature.
Participating in this masterclass fosters mental clarity and emotional resilience, aligning thoughts and actions with personal values. It provides a practical approach to personal development that can significantly aid in navigating the shifts in your friendships as you age.
Life is an ongoing journey of growth and evolution, and our friendships are a reflection of this journey.
By embracing these behaviors, you’re not just growing apart from friends as you get older – you’re growing into your most authentic self. Join the “Free Your Mind” masterclass today and take the next step in your journey.