The article discusses an exploration of friendship through nearly two hundred letters from the Mass Observation Archive, revealing emotional struggles faced by writers, predominantly women over 60. These letters detail both the warmth and heartache found in friendships, including themes of betrayal, disappointment, and the complexities of how friendships evolve. Many reflect on the dilemma of whether to end problematic friendships, highlighting the unique freedom and lack of obligation that friendships hold compared to familial ties. Ultimately, they grapple with honoring their emotional needs against the pain of potential disloyalty.
Most of the writers expressed anxiety about being disloyal or causing hurt, but their greatest concern was stringing the friendship out unnecessarily.
These letters revealed a spectrum of friendship experiences, from betrayals and difficulties to the unsettling realization of having once shared meaningful bonds.
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