*metaphorically stroking beard*
Instead of looking at it as they think less of you -why don't you think of it as they think of someone else equally or more than you. Their thoughts and feelings may not have changed.
Is it that they've not always been a true friend or that they know you now? While things and people are changing, the curiosity that is in human nature is still feeding off you.
Once all is discussed and everything learnt. What is left to find and say?
When with a new love, new emotions are probably been found and they are probably still learning about each other. Overcoming every day hassles and continually strengthening their bonds together!
You say they're in their 30s, well do they have kids? If so, they're probably worrying about them. If not, they're probably making final decisions whether to have kids or not!!! There are probably lots of everyday issues which they're worried or thinking about.
Once at the top of a mountain, there's only one way to go. The same can be said for friendships. Having nothing to do with them for a while can also be beneficial. Socialise with new people and learn new things, leave it a while and start socialising with them again. Effectively hitting reset on your friendships. It doesn't work for everyone but occasionally works for me.
You say 'these days', but is it that everyone has a pessimistic view of present day society and so react differently? Surely, adults complained and had ago about 'these days' when you were younger? It's just a typically British thing of today is worse than yesterday. Personally, i believe tomorrow will be better than today. But what the hey!!!
Soz, I don't normally post threads or anything (apart from jokes
); so i don't know if you understand what i'm getting at or if my waffling (greatest word ever) is to any help, once i start answering questiosn and thinking about things, i dont stop LOL.