Distance.
It’s quite an oddity. One may define it as the physical space separating two subjects. However, I submit that distance is more often than not an emotion, independent of actual proximity. One may feel distant from someone no more than two feet apart, and feel close to another who lives on the other side of the world. In fact, it may feel as though the roles are switched, where the person in the same room feels miles away.
Distance, looking at it objectively, is neither a positive nor a negative emotion. One may be perfectly content in being distant from someone, especially if that person is a burden on one’s life. There is no shame in drifting away from someone who was once close to you.
We are all floating in an ocean, and the currents that move us are beyond our control. It is not rare for the ocean to pull things apart. To pull people apart. It is simply a part of life. Sometimes, it is for the better, and sometimes for the worse. Regardless, it is unavoidable. However, we must have faith that someone new will come into our lives, and fill up the void left by the person who you depended on, but has somehow left your grasp. There is no blaming to be done. Blame it on the ocean.
People overlook the importance of distance. Sometimes, it is best for two people to go their separate ways, peacefully and with grace. For that, however, the two must accept that the distance is their friend, and they both leave the relationship, whatever that may be, better off than they were before. Is that not the objective? To be better?
Distance can be temporary, of course. One can drift away and drift back within weeks. Or within years. Perhaps that distance allowed for the two people to grow, to learn, to develop. Now, they are both happier in each other’s presence than before. So yes, distance can be good. And many times it is good.
The distinction between the good distance and, for the lack of a better word, the bad distance, is that there is mutual acceptance and respect. If one is vengeful and angered by the currents of the ocean, then they may end up drowning themselves, and perhaps even pull in those around them. Separation and distance are art forms that humanity has forever been trying to master.
I suppose I will conclude before I become redundant. I have moved across continents, across states, and across districts. Ironically, I feel closer to my friends in my home country than my friends that live less than an hour away. I find peace in separation by realizing it is out of my control. I believe this philosophy is somewhat similar to stoicism, which, while I am not too read up on it, seems to be rather interesting.
Anyway, happy drifting.