Know Your Friends

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Why is it important to know who your real friends are? Have you set a criteria on how you choose your friends? It is important because many come wearing the “friend” tag but only a very few make it there in reality. There are the fake friends who are not really your friend but they are there for what they can get from you. There are the ones who are envious and envy does not make for a good friendship. Anything good that happens to you is as if something bad had happened to them! Beware of such so called friends because they are not your friend! Then there are the fair-weather ones who are there when all is well but are nowhere to be seen when things go down south!

What makes for a good friend? There are certain markers for a good friendship. Trust is one of them. You should be able to trust one another and when it’s not there, the trustworthiness, it is hard to build a friendship.

Honesty is another aspect that is critical for a friendship. One of the hallmarks of true friendship is truth. Be truthful even if it hurts.

Mutual benefits of a true friendship. You add to each other’s lives and that there is a give and take and not just take all the time.

Perhaps, the most important aspect is you like each other and you enjoy each other’s company. Time spent with a friend is time well-spent. Laughter, talks, smiles and a genuine affection for each other are all important for a true friendship to thrive and to grow.

Below are some quotes that speak to what a friendship is not and this too is important.

“You find yourself making all the sacrifices, going the extra mile to make your fake friend happy. Notice those friends that will never choose you over their comfort.” Unknown

“You never know who your real friends are until you are in need. You’ll be surprised who shows up.”

“Before you count your friends, make sure you can count on them. Some friends are only around when they want something from you but are never there when you need something from them.” Rashida Rowe

“Crocodiles are easy. They try to kill and eat you. People are harder, they pretend to be your friend first.” Steve Irwin

Hmm…..

Finally,

“Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.” Eleanor Roosevelt

Watch for those footprints. Not all who profess “friendship” is your friend. It’s better to have a few friends who love and care about you than many who are never there when you need them. Choose your friends carefully.

“Only those who care about you can hear you when you’re quiet.”

Have an amazing day.

IT WORKED?!!

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I’ve talked about a girlfriend who is known for being tardy. If truth be told, tardiness should have been her first, middle, and last name! Her idea of showing up for a meeting is to never show up on time!

We are two opposites as far as being punctual is concerned. I make it a point to show up 10 to 15 minutes earlier than the scheduled time and hers is to show up 20 t0 30 minutes late, but this last time about three weeks ago she was a no show altogether! Her excuse after a 45 minute wait was, “Oh, so sorry! I completely forgot!” It was the straw that finally broke the camel’s back and this camel has a strong back I must say! I told her in a no-nonsense way that her behavior was unacceptable and let it go at that.

Last week, she wrote asking to meet again. I decided to give her another chance and so I showed up at the cafe today, 15 minutes earlier than the scheduled time. I fully expected Ms. Tardy to come prancing in 20 minutes late as usual.

Lo and behold! She walked in a few minutes after I had walked in, a big smile plastered on her face! My first thought, “It worked! She’s mending her ways.” We had a good talk and nothing was said about her tardiness.

Folks, I don’t know if the leopard can change its spots that easily so it’s a wait and see approach for now. We’ll be meeting again sometime next week and I’m hoping she makes it a priority to show up on time.

But then again…..

PUNCTUALITY

“Consistently being on time is the product of proper planning, personal discipline, and a respect for other people’s time.

Making a habit of being late demonstrates none of these things and is often a sign of patchy priorities and selfishness. Habitual lateness says, “My time is more valuable than yours.”

Learn to be reliable and a person of integrity by adopting the discipline necessary to be on time.” Unknown

Her stance is…..

“I don’t feel tardy.”

And that right there is the problem.

Have an amazing day.