//I think you're right on all this. When I think of boundaries I don't really consider affection and fondness and friendship, though. More like breaking the co-dependency thing and separating yourself from the more toxic elements of a friendship that can be harmful to one's mental health and/or stand in the way of your own goals, etc. It's that kind of thing that I hope they aren't slipping back into, especially recently. Especially if Jared's dealing with this hiccup in his own MH journey. It's been a tough several months for Jared. Really since Walker was cancelled. I do think he'll be okay, though. He's been down this road before. He knows how to climb back out. //
I get what you’re saying about closeness and boundaries not necessarily being the same thing.
I agree that the codependency of earlier to mid Supernatural wasn’t a healthy thing over all, for Jensen or Jared actually. But, as you’ve said, I do think Jared had put up some boundaries there, but I think he did it while Supernatural was still filming, so it was even easier to keep it up when they weren’t seeing each other all the time.
But, despite the guys seeming very close again, and both talking each other up lately (again, I don’t see that as ever entirely stopping except right around the prequel drama, for maybe a year or two), I don’t really see this as them truly sliding back into old roles. Jared has often leaned into "little brother" on stage, and despite him not doing it so much for a few years, he’s been at it off and on for a while. Another thing, they still don’t live in the same town any more. It’s harder to be codependent when you aren’t able to be around each other that often. Jared also spoke in Sweden about a tip coming up with Gen and Tom, and then another with his brother and people like that coming up. Jared is still spending time with people outside of Jensen, too.
Also, even if Jared does occasionally hang out with Supernatural cast, and Jensen, a bit more again, keep in mind it’s been years and people can grow and change. I get that we have a tendency to slip into old roles, but these people are older now, can’t party like they used to, and I’m sure there’s other differences.
Jensen might have really been there for Jared with his broken leg, I have no clue. If he was, I’ll chalk it up to being good Jared had another support in place. But I don’t see him fully relying on Jensen at all. And a bit of bromance, to me, doesn’t indicate truly slipping back into old patterns.
I too think Jared’s mental health took a hit with his leg break, he’s practically said so, but I think once he gets busy working he’ll be okay again. I think that even if he does a project with Jensen or somone else. Keep in mind that Jared is the leader in those situations, and he can decide the kind if set he wants.
I think you’re right. I hope you’re right anyway. ❤️