Friends. We've all know the famous line... "How many of us have them?" I can hear the song in my mind and I start to bop my head to the beat. I begin to think back to when my mother and I would hear the song on the radio. She would turn it up, start to move her hands around, and rap word from word. At the time, my admiration for the song came simply from enjoying my mother's interest in it. Oblivious to the honest words being spoken about the people we feel are so called “friends”.
When we are younger our “friends” are one of the most important things in our life. We desire the approval of being accepted by people who we don’t know and who barely know themselves. Therefore, leading us down a path of self destruction or self improvement, depending on which type of group we surround ourselves with. As we get older the dynamics of what a “friend” should or shouldn’t be changes. As we go through experiences we want our “friends” to be the people we can laugh with as well as cry. And what a better time for you to learn who your real “friends” are then when you’re at your worse. “Friends” can pop bottles with you all day long when you’re paying for them, but how many can they pop when you can’t? (And no I’m not saying that a friendship is based on monetary contributions)
Maintaining a friendship is just like maintaining a relationship, if not harder. It’s like they come with their own set of unspoken vows. We have to accept the good with the bad, love them through sickness and health, and tell them the fucking truth even if it hurts. No, I don’t always agree with my friends but we always can come to a mutual understanding and move on from any disagreements we may have (Now if they do some grimy disrespectful shit cut them off quick). I love my close circle of friends, but most importantly I trust them. I know they will continue to help lift me up no matter how many times I fall, and they know I will do the same. So if you’re the type of person that has a different “friend” every year something ain’t right about YOU, yeah, YOU. And if you know a person like that RUN FAST!
Take a deep examination of the “friends” around you. It may seem like you have a lot, but that number is far less than what you think. I’m talking about the people that love you for who you are with no standards or obligations attached. How many do you have? (And if you live in Atlanta……..you know what time it is) Critiques anyone?
My father used to say you can count your friends on the fingers of one hand. I guess he was referring to our real friends or what I call our "Ride or Die" friends. It is always easy to find a so-called friend when times are good and the money is flowing. But when you most need a friend, when times are tough, you'll come to realize you need only one or two of those fingers on one hand.
ReplyDeleteI feel like my success is always greater when my circle is smaller. Do I feel you should limit the number of associates you maintain? Hell yes! More specifically, the friends you speak to on a daily basis needs and must be minimal. Everyone will not share in your dreams, aspirations, direction, or ultimately your pending success. I have always been more intrigued by you than by your other friend I know. You deserve prosperity and happiness. You are bright and worthy of all that your hard work will provide. I love ya, Shawty. (In my ATL voice)
I have been in a situation where I was astounded to find out who my real friends were. People who i had stuck my neck out for on a regular basis were the ones who weren't there when i was at my worst. It was a major wake up call and i felt stupid to have thought that they would return the favor. I am a loyal person and i expect the same out of my friends. But i got the same advice the previous post did.." You should be able to count your friends on one hand" and this is something i intend to follow from now on.
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