20 Cents, Pair Of Dimes, Paradigm Shift

I have recently had a Paradigm Shift in my life as it relates to friendships. I am not a freshman in highschool looking for drama with a girlfriend, I am a grown woman who thought I had solid relationships with other woman. Actually, my shift, as most shifts occur, happened over a period of time. One day its perfectly fine to be held hostage periodically by your friends, because, come on you just put up with the good and the bad. But... then...one morning you wake up,and realize that its not okay to be held hostage by your friends. Friendship should not be based on being worried if your going to hurt someone's feelings. Friendship should be based on that if you do hurt their feelings, its not a deal breaker. So I have recently began protected myself, and with that, I have withdrawn from both sets of my friends -- professional and personal.. (not talking about you Chris, first; your not a woman, and second; face it, you are part of my family). I'm certain there is some confusion on their part. But to tell you the truth, I'm not worried about what they think. I'm taking care of Me. I feel myself changing and that is scary and exciting.