How To Be A Good Friend
Is it not disheartening when a bride has to borrow friends to be her bridesmaid? Is it not troubling when an individual has to seek advice on personal matters from an online forum?
It’s funny how at a point in our lives, friends become ex-friends, and sometimes enemies. Falling out in friendships in recent times has become more of a norm as we are all chasing after what’s best for us, regardless of whose toes we have to step on, often losing sight of the value of friendship. The most basic example is a bride borrowing friends for her bridal train because she doesn’t have any, or maybe she didn’t keep friends who would gladly show up for her on her big day. Now I am not saying it is wrong to chase after your goals; all I am simply implying is that while you chase after your goals, keep these few things in mind:
- Keep good company: create a community where you have a healthy support system. Don’t just use people for what they can offer and dump them right after; hold on to hands that offer you genuine friendship. Don’t keep everyone at arm’s length; allow some special few into your personal space because, trust me, you will need them.
- Don’t bite the fingers that fed you: I used to feel we should be mature enough to understand this notion, but in recent days, I have been proved wrong on so many occasions. I don’t know if these people do it intentionally or if they are just ignorant of the fact that it is very wrong to go after the person who helped you. Like this person came through for you when you needed them the most; they were the clothes that covered your nakedness, they made you a priority, and chose to carry out actions that will wipe your tears. They lifted you when you were down, they embraced you when you felt lost and alone. They were available even when others turned their backs on you. And even with all that, the best thing you could repay them with is betrayal? No reason can validate such an action; it simply speaks of your person, and permit me to say this, but you are a bad person. If you didn’t know before, I am pleased to inform you now.
- Appreciate every help: Be grateful to individuals who have gone out of their way to put a smile on your face, individuals who tried their best to make you comfortable. Appreciate every effort made towards you, no matter how little. Don’t be an ingrate who only sees what they could have done better; choose to see what they have done for you. In fact, you owe it to them to be grateful. Don’t go around thinking it’s what anyone can do for me; instead, appreciate that this person has taken the time to come through for you. If you won’t even appreciate the effort, appreciate the time spent because you can never replace that. My mum would always tell me that no matter how small the thing that was done for you, be grateful to that person because they showed you that you mattered to them.
- Throw out the opinion of using people: you can’t always be the one on the receiving end; why not think of a way to be of help to people? I have met a couple of individuals that would suck out your essence till there is nothing left of you, and when you are in need of their help, they are far out of your reach. Don’t be that person that only keeps people to use them. There is nothing wrong with helping someone if it’s in your power to do so. A wise man once told me, “if I don’t help you, someone else will, and that person might do better than I would have ever done for you.”
Note: No one is saying don’t put yourself first; all I mean is, in all that you do, always give as much energy as you receive.
Stop making excuses for your selfishness.
Take a bold step to help someone as long as it’s within your power.
Use your resources to help someone today!!!!
I promise you there is a joy that comes from an act of service.
Be the friend you wish for.
Thanks for reading.
If you enjoyed this piece, give it as much claps as you can and follow for more. I really appreciate it.
