I have friends who are in the same boat as you. We have been friends for so long now that we can joke about this. I think it is the "normal" cycle we are used to that had been inculcated in us for so long that that is what is "supposed to be." It takes lots and lots of patience on our part to ignore some questions in life. Sometimes we have to stop being kind to make people understand.
thank you @leeart I agree:)