Just to clarify, the white socks, or socks of any sort, do not apply to the sandal or flipflop recommendation. Otherwise, your cool with them. You can go sockless with the Chuck Taylors or sim. While stylish, I have had other complications (smell) with that approach....Steve wear sandals or flipflops, or anklet(golf style)bootie socks if wearing tennies with your shorts (at least around these parts.)...
Ditching a friend? Nothing extreme. The friendships of mine that have died were through ordinary neglect.