The more I think about it, I think it has more to do with how the relationships start in the first place. If not for that immediate need for support, would those relationships have ever developed beyond being acquaintances or coworkers? If not, then I guess it’s a natural inevitability that they would fade and die - having never truly been “friendships” at all.

Boy, I can certainly talk myself into a bleak little corner, can’t I? I’ve basically brought myself to the conclusion that I’ve never really had *any* close friends. Think I’m going to have to let this one simmer for a bit - decide whether I really, truly believe that.