During a YouTube discussion former Over25 member, Jules Gaitho shared her views on the expectations and boundaries in friendships.
She said that she believed that friendships should reflect affection and actions of love. Gaitho also explored the concept of outgrowing friendships, viewing it as a natural progression over time, often described as a "seasonal connection."
"There are friendships that go through a season... and sometimes you meet someone with the intention of being friends, but the more you spend time together, you realize you're not aligned, like there's an invisible disconnect... In my adult life, I find myself in that space where it feels like we're outgrowing each other—is that what's happening? I don’t have a replacement," Gaitho reflected.
Friendship, she noted, is about more than just companionship. Most people feel a sense of responsibility and commitment to their friends, just as their friends do toward them.
Jules remarked that maintaining friendship centers around building trust, which grows through openness and communication. Women, in particular, are often better at nurturing this openness.
However, life changes, distance, or other factors can sometimes interfere with true friendship. When friends are absent during times of need, the pain of suffering alone can be much harder than enduring with a friend by one's side.
Jules Gaitho Explores the Seasons of Friendship