I had to do this in my twenties.

Canadian here. I moved to one of the largest cities in my country with my then girlfriend. We were together for about a year and a half before we broke up, but the prospect of either of us moving out on our own wasn’t feasible. I was a college student, they were on disability, neither of us got on well with our parents at the time. It wasnt an ideal situation.

We moved into two different places after that together, out of a need to keep a roof over our heads. I got a new long distance partner who’s good for me. Our friendship changed in that time to one that was sorta stagnant. Up until I hit a breaking point and took some drastic measures that cost me my place at home. I wound up moving back with my parents, I got a new job, things had started over for me. I got to sponsor my gf, she became my fiancé, and now she’s my wife. Now she’s here, with me, in a room we rent out of a townhouse together.

But my old friend? I don’t know what happened there after I left. When we did catch up, I was accused of being things I’m not. I don’t think I call them friend anymore. I don’t know how I’d react if I ever saw them again, but its not something I like to think about.