I ran into a old friend today.

Okay, that’s not really how it happens is it. My mom ran into an old friend of mine. He recognized her and said hi. He was there for his job and would be there for a few hours. She called me and told me, so I cruised over so I could say hi. just ran into

I hadn’t seen him since his wedding. He’d been my best friend in college. I walked and there he was. The same, but grayer. We chatted. It was awkward. Everything was the same, but everything was different. I’m killing with the cliches today. Let me try again. He seemed to be as I remembered him. I, on the other hand, have changed a great deal. Amongst other things we were drinking buddies. I don’t drink. I haven’t had a drink in almost five years. We hadn’t been talking for five minutes before he says something about buying me a beer. Uncomfortable.

It’s probably just me being all insecure. I guess I never really believe that friends really like me. Maybe they are just feeling sorry for me. I fear that when I say, I’d have to pass on the beer. He’ll say, well that pretty much settles it then. That isn’t what happens.
“I’d have to pass on the beer”
He looks at me, puzzled.
“I quit drinking.”
He says, “I quit drinking everyday.”
Still uncomfortable. “You know I was never any good at it, you were there.”
“But you tried ”
“Oh I tried like a bastard.”
Getting a little more comfortable.

We chatted for 20 minutes or so. I had to cut it short, I had to get home so the wife could go to work. I gave him my number. Told him to call me the next time he’s in the area. I’d have him over for dinner or something.

I’m honestly not sure if he’ll call or not.

That has been my problem, as I move on in my life, I tend to burn my bridges. I know people who keep up with all kinds of friends. I can’t seem to do it. As I grow older and my life changes, I don’t know how to bridge those changes and keep my old friends involved in my new life.

I hope he calls.