It takes time to let stuff work out especially after not having made the effort in the beginning. I think that's one of the most important key elements. I guess the things that do matter are having the right kind of connections.
It seems like I do have a good set of friends; most of who are long gone and really have no beef with me. I guess the thing that probably gets most people to not really like me anymore is having some issue that they can't get over with me.