When I started training in Uechi, I suddenly seemed to encounter a lot of friends whom, at some time in the past had also trained to some extent.
They gave me feelings of "been there, done that too.", or "you're just starting NOW?! Boy, do YOU have a long way to go!"
But all those people at some point along the way dropped out.
Some of them said they trained for a few months; a year; a few years, and got to whatever level. I was in awe of them of course, they having done this "so long ago".
(It's a funny thing: when you think ahead time seems like forever, but looking back it seems like yesterday...)
Anyway...they all dropped out and left it behind, and this includes the vast majority of my fellow classmates when I started, except for one lady friend who is still training.
At this particular point in time I can finally look them all in the eye and know (but won't point out by mentioning!) that I've gone further.
Hope this doesn't come across as a self-back-pat; perhaps someone reading this is just starting out and could use a little jog to continue.
NM