Chapter 103
When Old Friends Become Strangers

This chapter reveals the pattern of social mobility creating emotional distance between people who once shared the same world. Boris hasn't become evil—he's adapted to survive and thrive in elite circles. But this adaptation requires him to treat everyone, including old friends, with the same polished detachment that his new environment demands. The mechanism works like this: when you climb social or professional ladders, you learn new codes of behavior, new priorities, new ways of speaking and thinking. These aren't just surface changes—they rewire how you relate to people. Boris can't afford to show favoritism or act on old loyalties because his position depends on being seen as professional and impartial. His success requires him to value different things than he once did. Meanwhile, Rostov represents Boris's former life, and maintaining that connection threatens Boris's carefully constructed new identity. This exact pattern plays out everywhere today. The nurse who becomes a supervisor suddenly can't grab drinks with former coworkers because it might compromise her authority. The friend who gets promoted to management starts speaking differently in meetings, using corporate language that creates distance. The family member who goes to college returns home feeling like an outsider at family gatherings, unable to connect the way they used to. The coworker who gets transferred to the corporate office begins dressing differently, talking about different things, seeming like a stranger when they visit the old department. When you recognize this pattern, you can navigate it better from both sides. If you're the one climbing, acknowledge the tension honestly—don't pretend nothing has changed. If you're watching someone else climb, understand that their distance isn't necessarily personal rejection. Set realistic expectations for what the relationship can become rather than mourning what it was. Look for new ways to connect that honor both your current realities. When you can name the pattern, predict where it leads, and navigate it successfully—that's amplified intelligence.