Are Pat and Dale's friendship in trouble?

From the observations mentioned, one might conclude that Pat and Dale may be in a declining phase of their relationship, rather than a stabilized friendship. A stabilized friendship would generally entail either consistent behavior in social settings or comfortable acknowledgment of each other's company. However, Dale drinking coffee alone and the absence of shared adventures suggest a potential withdrawal or deterioration of their close relationship.

This change could be due to numerous factors, which are not defined in the observations provided. Nonetheless, proximity and continued contact are central to maintaining relationships, according to decades of research, but in the case of Pat and Dale, the decreased interaction hints at a separation.

It's essential to consider that any conclusion based on such limited observations could be premature without more context about the dynamics of Pat and Dale's relationship. This scenario underscores the importance of communication and the need to care for evolving friendships throughout different stages of life. The situation of Twyla and Roberta's friendship at St. Bonny's, which didn't continue over the course of their lives, could be reflective of how friendships can change when the regular contact that once fostered proximity is lost.