<p>I have a group of close friends and we've been that way since middle school. In general, we don't really socialize and hang out after school - rather its through things like the Internet that we stay connected. However, just recently, one of my friends has really changed. He was always a self-interested individual, but up until now, he hasn't completely manifested this. Suddenly he has an interest in everything he thought was stupid: ex. school dances, hanging out at cafes, cheating in school, even using his cell phone (he hated talking on the phone). What he does now is extremely hypocritical of his past views. Also, while he has entered into other social circles, he still can't "dump" us. The way he socializes is interesting, because he will get people's attention with the use of random gaming phrases, then develop a relationship where he is limited to certain topics of interest, and then just constantly repeat them whenever he passes them in the hallways. </p>
<p>The only thing that bothers me: does he really "want out" of our now-perceived inadequate circle of friends that cannot satisfy his need for social contact? I don't care if he wants to be friends with other people, but especially when some of those friends are mine too - it seems like he doesn't want me to go out with him in fear of spoiling his party. I'm not jealous of his superficial increase in social stature, because I personally don't want anything of the sort. However, how much of a friend is he when he no longer really communicates with us, goes out frequently but "secretly", and yet still sits at our table at lunch (because he probably hasn't and will never be close enough friends with others to move away from our circle)? It's like he wants more, but still uses us as a safety net. What are your opinions on this? I'm sure other people have similar situations.</p>