I am even a better acquaintance and associate!!

I accepted the notion that friends can become lifetime friends and even consider them to be like extended family, but I also to came to the understanding that as one becomes older, friends may not keep in touch a frequently due to starting families, working, relocating to other cities, states, etc.

For me, I have on a very few people that I could say are true friends. The vast majority are acquaintances and associates. Some people may have been good friends at one point and due to circumstances may have been bumped down to acquaintanceship and associateship status.

The latter two seems to work best because they are not in your business and vice versa. Keeps the drama low to non-existent. I respect people's space and cool with whatever level I am placed in.