I’m not sure I fully understand. But if you’re asking what I think you’re asking, it’s far from a simple answer.

I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase “the stars that burn the brightest, burn the quickest.” You can try to slow them down, but in doing so you dull their identity. On the other hoof, if you let them burn the candle on both ends, is it humane to, in essence, stand aside while they hasten their eventual end?

Of course, we don’t always have a say in the matter. Sometimes consequences are beyond our reach. Sometimes before we even meet.

In theory, you want to treat all friends equally. In practice, that’s not how it works. The best thing you can do for them is spend more time with those who have so little. That’s not to say you should ignore your other friends, just try to find spare time here and there. Of course, sometimes you misjudge who’s time is short…

The alternate method could be considered cruel and selfish, and that’s to distance yourself in order to lessen the eventual heartache when they do fall.

Unfortunately, taking the middle ground isn’t much of an option. When it’s all over you’ll be invested emotionally in the pain, but wish you’d spent more time together.