So, the other day I was driving, stuck in traffic as usual, and decided to put on a Joe Rogan podcast. Don’t always agree with the guy, but sometimes he hits on stuff that gets you thinking. This time, he got talking about friends, you know, the people you keep around you.
It wasn’t some big, complex theory or anything. Just him riffing on the kinds of friends people have, how things change over time, loyalty, that sort of thing. He talked a bit about friends who pull you up versus those who, maybe unintentionally, keep you stuck. And it kinda clicked with some things I’d been mulling over myself.
Made me actually stop and think. Like, really think. Who are the people I actually spend my time with? Who do I call when stuff hits the fan, or when something good happens? Rogan was talking about having people around who are honest with you, even when it’s tough to hear. It made me evaluate my own circle.
I started listing people in my head, not like judging them, but just observing the dynamics. You got the old friends, the ones you’ve known forever. History is there, which is great, but sometimes you’ve both changed so much, you’re just running on fumes, you know? Then there are newer friends, maybe connected through work or hobbies. Sometimes those connections feel more relevant to who I am now.
It wasn’t about cutting people off. That’s too dramatic and honestly, not really my style. It was more about recognizing where the real energy is. Where do I feel energized after hanging out, and where do I feel drained? Rogan’s rambling sort of gave me permission to just acknowledge that not all friendships serve the same purpose, and that’s okay. Some are for deep talks, some are for laughs, some are just comfortable silence.
So, what did I do? Well, first, I made a mental note to appreciate the guys who really show up, the ones who are solid. Maybe send a text, make a plan to grab a beer, just invest a bit more consciously. Second, I kinda realized I needed to be more mindful of the dynamics where maybe I’m the one not pulling my weight, or where the connection just isn’t clicking anymore. Doesn’t mean ending things, but maybe not forcing it, letting it be what it is.
It’s an ongoing process, this whole friendship thing. You get older, life gets complicated. Listening to Rogan just kinda put a spotlight on it for a bit, made me take stock. It’s good to do that once in a while, check the foundations of your personal life, make sure things are solid. Just my two cents from listening to a podcast in traffic.
