Also the sentiment that 'I wish the word (acquaintance) weren't dying out.'

This entry hit on some things that have been on my mind, on and off, but never quite figured out how to express for myself.

This is part of what struck a cord with me:

"The biggest myth about friendship is that it goes in one direction... You're not allowed to go from friends to graceful acquaintances. We do it all the time, but we don't talk about it or admit that it's okay."

http://rhubarbpie.typepad.com/rhubarb/2009/12/graceful-acquaintanceship.html