I remember feeling very betrayed by a friend of mine in junior high and high school named Denise. We had been good friends, spent time at each other's houses, had sleepovers, and all the typical things that teenage girls do. However, in the 11th grade Denise acquired a boyfriend who belonged to a group of guys known as the "greasers." She began dressing differently, wearing lots of eye makeup, and hanging out with a different crowd. Suddenly, our group of friends didn't seem to matter to her anymore. Specifically, I remember walking into a girls' bathroom one day between classes, and she was standing in front of the mirror brushing her hair. She didn't even acknowledge my presence and walked right past me without saying a word, as though she didn't know me. I suddenly felt "not good enough" anymore. It sounds silly and petty now, but I vividly remember how much it hurt at the time.
Denise and her boyfriend eventually broke up, and we were friends again. I let her off the hook by never discussing what happened or expressing my feelings. Looking back, that was awfully generous of me! As an adult, I realize that behavior like that is common among teenagers who are trying to figure themselves out and "find their way." Denise and I are still in touch even now. But every time I think of her, I recall that incident and how it made me feel. I wonder if she remembers?
No comments:
Post a Comment