Hi, this is Mel Gabbi, and welcome back to Changing Spaces. Today I want to talk about something we all experience at some point: friendships, boundaries, and what happens when our peace gets disrupted.

The Story
I’ve just started my journey up to Scotland, but it began with a few days in London with a friend visiting from America. We did some great things together — Windsor Castle, the Tower of London, a river bus to Greenwich, and wandering through markets. On the surface, it was fun and exciting.

But underneath, I found myself exhausted. Carrying bags across London, late nights, noise when I needed quiet, I realised how different our rhythms are.

The Reflection
What I noticed is this: friendships that work well for a few hours over lunch don’t always work when you’re together 24/7. And that’s not because the friendship is broken — it’s because our values clash when tested under pressure.

And this is where I see echoes of something bigger. History has always been about power and negotiation — from feudal lords and peasants, to workers and wages, to citizens and politics. In friendships, it’s about who sets the tone, who adapts, and who holds the space for freedom.

The Lesson
I realised I don’t want to carry other people’s avoidance, sulking, or passive anger.

And maybe you’ve felt that too. Maybe you’ve had a friendship where you suddenly feel like the parent, or the organiser, or the one giving more than you receive. Maybe you’ve noticed that when your peace is disrupted, your energy, creativity, and joy start to disappear.

The Takeaway
So here’s the heart of it: true friendship honours values, boundaries, and freedom.

And sometimes, the most powerful choice is to create space — not because we don’t care, but because we care about staying true to ourselves.
So if you’ve ever travelled with a friend, or even just had them stay with you, and felt your peace disrupted — know that you’re not alone.

Thanks for listening, and I’ll see you in the next episode of Changing Spaces.