In school you feel the same. Even when people are divided into tribes of geek, chic, and boring, there's a common bond you have: you're all there, you have to "get to class" or "take a quiz." A lot of people I knew in college were financially constrained too: we'd go to Taco Bell where you could order 3 tacos for just over a dollar or, if you wanted something to sit in your gut and rot for a few days, you'd go to Burger King and get a couple of Whoppers for $2.12.
As time passes we all go our separate ways. Some people have a lot of children. Some none. Careers start to show - some of do well and some strive or flounder. Pretty soon you may be either the friend who visits an old schoolmate and leaves with thoughts of "how bourgeoisie" or you're the friend who wonders when reality is going to hit that old friend who may have just one obligation too many.
You move. They move. You talk on the phone sometimes. Frequently at first but you get busy. It's every so often and you greet them with expressions that take you back to the day. You use an instant messenger for short bursts of conversation. Link sharing.
But slowly you drift until you start to wonder how you thought you were the same. You're not. Was it always this way, masked with the commotion of schoolwork and youth, or did you change? Did they change?
The friends never replace themselves. You get older, you work, you become either more bohemian or more attached to institution. You make new acquaintances but it's not the same. It's a sad thing. It's a lonely thing. There you sit, thinking about it. Here I sit, brooding.