Growing Apart From Those Who Don't Grow

You will grow apart from those who don't grow.

— Florida Made (@RichardMIATL) May 16, 2015

You will grow apart from those who don't grow. Why is that? Because if you & your associate, friend, acquaintance, significant other, etc are going in opposite directions, there's no chance for a successful relationship. In order to have unity, both parties must be on one accord. That's not to say they will co-sign each other on everything, but their similarities should far outweigh their differences. Trying to grow together with someone you have little in common with is like swimming against the current: You're strong enough to do it, but why would you? You're wasting your energy, and eventually you'll become weary. The older someone gets, the more meaningful their relationships should be. Nobody should waste time trying to grow with those who are growing apart; I know I don't. I used to force some relationships to work because I didn't want to be alone, but as I got older I've learned to embrace my solitude. I don't have many friends, but the ones I do have are true riders. We can go days, weeks or months without talking, and come together like it's nothing. At my current stage, I have no problem growing apart from those who don't grow.
I don't know why some people are scared to grow apart. It's like they're scared to be alone so they force some relationships to work that are temporary. Listen, not everyone is meant to be in your life forever. Some people come into your life for a season & a lifetime. It's important to know the difference, so let me break it down: Seasonal folks are those you hit it off with immediately. You feel like you've known them your whole life, and it's so far so good. You think these people are with you for the long haul until you two discover you're more different than alike. Your outlooks aren't the same, nor is your life trajectory. Through no fault of each other, the relationship comes to an end. Lifetime folks are those people who you hit it off with immediately, but with one difference: These are people who have your back from start to finish. They don't want anything from you, just your friendship & loyalty. You know these people are for you because you can't go a day without chatting with them. You rejoice & grieve with them. You two have the same trajectory & outlook on life. If you're smart, you'll grow together with those who are growing.