COMMUNICATION/RELATIONSHIPS
The True Measure of Friendship
The way people treat us behind our backs can reveal much more than how they act when we’re around
“A true friend will defend you in your absence, not just in your presence.” — Unknown
My mother recently made a remark that resonated deeply with me. She stated that the real test of friendship isn’t how someone acts when you’re around. It’s what they say when you’re not in the room.
It’s easy to be nice face-to-face, but what truly matters is how people talk about you in your absence. This goes beyond just friendships. It applies to family, coworkers, and even casual acquaintances.
I’ve learned to pay attention to how people speak about others, and it has become a huge factor in deciding who I can trust.
My daughter shared a story several years ago that reinforced this idea. One of her acquaintances mentioned how my daughter’s college friend group was speaking negatively about someone close to them. That moment opened her eyes — she realized the importance of surrounding herself with…
