It seems like we have come to an agreement over the premise that as we grow old, we tend to have smaller group of friends. It’s true—well, at least for me. The difference between the friendship I had in high school and uni and the one I have right now is about 15:4. That is a huge difference.

It’s inevitable, though. As a freelancer, I don’t have work friends. My neighbourhood only consists of two families (the rest of the houses on our block are vacant): one family is a mother with a second grader daughter and the other one is rarely home. I have small exchanges with them quite often, but that is it. Just small talks for hospitality. I used to have quite a big girl gang in high school, but we only talk irregularly in a group chat nowadays. And then I’ve found out that we’ve grown to become people with different views and interests. I’m no longer comfortable around them. My uni friends are all busy: one is a working mother, one is teaching in another city, and one is working remotely for an overseas company.

And me? I’m huge and clumsy due to my pregnancy.

And friendship should be maintained. Like any other kind of relationships, friendship needs efforts from all parties involved.

Therefore, whenever I have a chance to see them, I’ll go. Even if it’s only for a sushi dinner, or a movie, or just a quick visit to see their cats.

I’m lucky to still have friends who can be seen in an instant. Just a text “Infinity War this Wednesday?” and “Let’s go!” and then off we go.

I believe that’s the kind of friendship we all need.