Facebook-induced nostalgia

In the last few weeks, Facebook has reacquainted me with a good number of people who lived in my hall during my freshman year in college. Some of these people I hadn't talked to in seven or eight years, and it occurs to me that my current understanding of who they are has a lot to do with who they were then, when, in fact, they are (most likely) completely different people now.

Lord knows I've changed. A lot.

Since my first year in college, I've become a lot less socially awkward. Granted, I'm still sort of awkward, but I really had some issues interacting with people back then. I'm talking about a total lack of comprehension of social cues.

I'd like to think that I'm less negative now, too.

My hair is thinner, my waistline is bigger, but my ego is smaller. Today, I'm much more willing to admit when I'm wrong. And, as it turns out, I'm wrong at times -- just like everyone else.

I've learned that, if you're sorry for something, you should say so right away, because the longer you wait to apologize, the harder it becomes*. There are two people in particular to whom I really need to apologize.

There -- done. I just e-mailed them. And that brings me to another thing I've learned -- no matter how much you think you deserve forgiveness, you have to remember that forgiveness is not always an option for those who have been wronged. It may take a while. It may take years. It may never happen at all. The best you can do is offer a sincere apology and hope for forgiveness.

I'm less naive. I'm more realistic. I'm more responsible. I'm less likely to eat Oreos. I'm more likely to eat celery.

I have a better understanding of sadness than I did in 1998. And, as a result of that, I have a better idea of all the forms happiness can take. I value friendships more -- especially those that have lasted a long time. I've also learned that some people who you may have considered to be really good friends are just plain flaky, and will stop talking to you for no apparent reason whatsoever -- or, even worse, for a really stupid reason that doesn't actually involve you at all. And if they aren't willing to put some effort into being a friend, then that's their decision.

I'm going to be honest here -- I still take some things for granted. I don't take time to stop and smell the roses. I still suck at life in many ways. The difference is that I wouldn't have been as introspective ten years ago.

So, how have you changed in the past ten years?