A friend who respects your growth does not require nostalgia to keep you recognizable.

Some people prefer the version of you they met. They bring up the old stories, tease the changes, and treat your development as a slight departure from the real thing. A friend who respects growth does not need you to stay recognizable in order to keep loving you. They update the picture rather than defending the old one.

Notice who responds to your changes with curiosity and who responds with nostalgia. You can love both kinds and be honest with the first. Being known as you currently are is worth more than being known as you were.