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Asking Eric: Man Struggles to Re-Connect with Old Friends

A married man in his early 40s with no children says he struggles to reconnect with old friends while his wife keeps in touch, describing it as an ongoing challenge.
Because of distance and life-phase shifts, the pandemic and two out-of-state moves reduced his social circle as he feels less connected to former friends in different life phases.
None of his few close buddies live nearby, and attempts to apologize to estranged friends didn't work, while a 2024 Survey Center on American Life study found 17 percent of men have zero close friends.
With a family wedding scheduled next year, the man asks whether his friendships are dormant or lost, saying `I truly don’t even know what to do` as his wife and parents urge him to reach out.
R. Eric Thomas, columnist, recommends acknowledging time and circumstance can create new bonds, right-sizing expectations since reunions may not restore old rhythms, and prioritizing emotional safety at the upcoming wedding after twenty years estrangement.

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Man in 40s struggles to reconnect with old friends

Dear Eric: I am a married man in my early 40s with no kids. My wife does a good job keeping in touch with friends of hers from her childhood and throughout the years in her life despite not living…

1 day ago·Tulsa, United States

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