Major life changes have always tested friendships, but modern life amplifies these challenges:
The Remote Work Paradox: Freedom from location becomes isolation from connection. The casual interactions that spark friendship—coffee runs, lunch conversations, after-work drinks—evaporate.
The Relocation Reality: Americans move 11 times on average, often for career opportunities. Each move resets your proximity-based friendships while long-distance maintenance proves challenging.
The Transition Turbulence: Life changes (marriage, divorce, parenthood, career shifts, health challenges) alter our capacity for friendship just when we need support most.
The Identity Shift: Major changes often trigger identity evolution. The person your friends knew might feel different from who you're becoming, creating disconnection.
The Compound Effect: Multiple changes often cluster—new job in new city after relationship end. The friendship infrastructure crumbles just when the emotional need peaks.
Traditional friendship advice assumes stability. But what if instability is your new normal?