Losing or ending friendships is hard and as others have mentioned the residual "loss" we feel is often related more to the relationship itself instead of the quality of it, sort of like we miss the habit more than the person, if that makes any sense.

Having entered the realm of politics a couple of years ago there have been instances of loss of friendship and fully trusting others is not easy in that realm because you often don't know if the reasons for friendships are pure in motive. I've seen my share of the seamy side of life inside the ropes, so to speak, and it ain't pretty!

Badger, if today was your birthday, Happy Birthday! too.