Big questions for small morning

So, did you ever have a falling out with a friend, not see them for a lengthy time, then run in to them only to find the intervening years have brought them unimaginable tragedy? It puts everything in perspective. So much of life is wasted being petty.

And yet, just because someone has had their share of trouble, doesn't mean that they are necessarily going to be a nicer person, or suddenly have a personality that meshes better with yours. When are you rekindling a friendship out of pity and not out of genuine affection?