If you have children and talk to them about danger (which you should), tell them that if someone is ever attempting to take them they should yell “you’re not my mom/dad!” That way, passers-by know it’s not just a kid having a tantrum
My mom taught me this along with having a password if one of her co-workers ever had to pick me up for an emergency or whatever. Once my grandpa came to get me and it wasn’t planned, I asked him the password and he didn’t know what I was talking about. I wouldn’t go with him for 20 minutes until he called my dad and got the password.
Obviously if they are trying to take your money or being abusive then run don't walk away, but long term friendships go through changes just like any relationship. Life happens.
It's hard to maintain friendship with someone who spends the first 5 minutes of contact scolding me for not calling more.
On the other hand, my best long time friendship is so chill. We can go a year without talking and still just pickup where we left off. The only way to have a lifelong friend is to stay friends.