What about when you want to pull away from a relationship but can't bring yourself to make it happen? I have a friend I've known for 40+ years, but she has turned bitter and cynical about most things and I no longer enjoy her company. She has few close friends, if any, other than me, and she is very lonely. I have a lot of other interests that she doesn't share, so I've cut back our engagements, but still feel obligated to see her regularly...
My Mom gave me the best advice when I was tempted to take a job in a brand new field, with a company that was expanding into this area, not knowing how it would turn out. She said "what's the worst that could happen?" My answer: I wouldn't like it and could move on relatively quickly (I was in my 30s at the time.) So I took it and was very happy there for 20 years.
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What about when you want to pull away from a relationship but can't bring yourself to make it happen? I have a friend I've known for 40+ years, but she has turned bitter and cynical about most things and I no longer enjoy her company. She has few close friends, if any, other than me, and she is very lonely. I have a lot of other interests that she doesn't share, so I've cut back our engagements, but still feel obligated to see her regularly...
Post: The Ties That Bind
Link to comment from July 26, 2025
My Mom gave me the best advice when I was tempted to take a job in a brand new field, with a company that was expanding into this area, not knowing how it would turn out. She said "what's the worst that could happen?" My answer: I wouldn't like it and could move on relatively quickly (I was in my 30s at the time.) So I took it and was very happy there for 20 years.
Post: What’s the best career advice you ever got?
Link to comment from July 26, 2025