the friend fadeout

So I was wracking through my awkward archives, and I figured this was one we've all executed or been subject to throughout our lives: the friend fadeout.
It's a subtle thing, and she who does it right will have you questioning your own sanity. It begins like this: you have a class with someone and you strike up a conversation. Something simple, like how 'bout those irregular verbs? and you're in. You've entered into the elusive class-friend relationship.
Now throughout the semester you have an ally every time the teacher says those fated words, "You're going to be working in groups." And you have someone to giggle with every time the prof says something that everyone knows merits a "that's what she said," but no one is brave enough to say it. You're living the dream.

But alas, such things are not meant to be. You both knew you were star-crossed from the beginning-- no common friends, no common living area, shoot, probably not even another class together to give your friendship some kind of a chance. It's time for the friend fadeout. Now, the extremity of the fade varies based on the dispositions of the participants, the length of the relationship, and maybe the weather. But usually the timeline goes something like this:

Semester 1- You're still in the honeymoon stage. Every time you see your class-friend, you smile, wave enthusiastically, and say hello by name (this is key). You may quote class inside jokes or say that you "really should get together soon." And maybe there is some small part of you that believes this.

Semester 2- You still see each other fairly often around campus, but Class-Friend seems more like Campus-Acquaintance-At-Best. You get a smile, maybe a wave, but never a conversation.

Semester 3- You've pretty much reverted to your pre-class stage-- seeing this person on Caf Lane but having no interaction with him or her and no illusions about your closeness. From Semester 3 on, you will treat each other like strangers. You may try to rekindle the small spark you had in Semester 2, but notice the determination with which this person ignores you. It's over.


But hey, not to worry. You had a good run. And don't forget there're always others out there just waiting to become your next awkward social experience.

xoxo,
Awkward Gurl (I accidentally typed that 'u,' but I think I like it)