Today’s just like any other day-well, sort of.

You leave for class early enough so you’re not rushed. With pride in your stride, you make your way toward class, carefully observing the scene around you. It’s a great time to people watch, but an even better time to run into people you know (which could be a bad thing).

Slowly as you walk toward the Cole Hall bridge, you have a choice: Do I go left, or do I go right?

It’s a simple decision to say the least.

Going left looks just as exciting as going right, but suddenly someone catches your eye.

Coming from the right is Tina, an old friend from freshman year and by chance, Todd, an old friend from grade school walking closely behind.

Suddenly, your decision has been made: you’re going left.

This situation isn’t one limited to walking to class-it’s a natural occurrence if you shop at Walmart during normal hours or frequent other hot spots in the area. It also happens when you and an old friend and are both taking the same class. Do you sit next to each other, or are you both just strangers in a sea of your peers? Do you acknowledge those people when you see them at the bar, or do you go about your business and conveniently look the other way.

So, a question to those who, like me, would opt to go left: Have we as people become afraid of who we have become? Are we afraid of who we used to be? Or are we just avoiding the awkward “hello” in passing that used to be so much more?

We all have friends and acquaintances we can put in this category. It’s those people who used to be the ones who frequented your cell phone call logs more than your family, but now barely frequent your phone every few months.

When did these friendships turn into dodge sessions? Are they still considered friendships?

Meeting new people is a natural part of life. But, growing mature and getting older doesn’t necessarily mean you have to forget parts of your life because of where you’re at today.

These type of relationships are ones that’ll last forever. Sure, they might not be as good as they were before, they are still relationships many don’t wish to actively acknowledge but will know will always be there.

Next time you come to that bridge, that class or that aisle, be the bigger person. Go right instead of left. You won’t know what will happen unless you try.

Views expressed in this weekly humor column do not necessarily reflect the Northern Star or its staff. If you have comments or a question, send them to [email protected]