LibraryScenariosWhen illness changes the dynamic of a philosophically intimate friendship
Scenario

When illness changes the dynamic of a philosophically intimate friendship

My oldest friend and I have always been each other's person for talking through existential questions, but since her cancer diagnosis six months ago I find myself censoring all my usual anxieties about meaning and mortality because they feel selfish to bring up, and the conversations that used to sustain us have become shallow.

Hypatia
Online
The coach is replying

More people experience this than they realize.

What we've seen

A relationship built on mutual exploration of life's deepest questions must adapt when circumstances make such exploration feel inappropriate or cruel.

Ideas that help explain it
Worth thinking about

“Where Are You with Aging & Senior Life?”

If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.