Our friend group used to be ridiculous together — inside jokes, spontaneous adventures, staying up too late being silly — but now our hangouts feel like networking events where everyone performs being an adult. I miss who we were together but I don't know if bringing it up will make everyone feel judged for growing up.
More people experience this than they realize.
A circle of friends finds themselves trapped between nostalgia for their former spontaneous selves and uncertainty about whether deeper playfulness is still possible or appropriate.
“Where Are You with The examined playful life?”
If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.