I consider myself introverted and reclusive. However, I have been fortunate to meet and become friends with some wonderful people. While some of these friendships may have faded from memory, there are moments that I cherish, both the best and the worst, that we shared together. I don’t believe in categorizing friends as good or bad, but rather as close or not too close. My friends, whether close or not, have brought both pain and joy into my life, and I am grateful to be able to call them friends. While I nurse the sentiments of believing I was not close to some friends because of their actions and attitude towards me or sentiments of everything I thought they did to me.
I wonder about the dagger I might have pulled on them unknowingly, for they not to define me as a close friend as well. True friendship is not without its challenges. It is during these moments that we truly test the strength of our bond to know our status.
If a friend has never been completely honest with you, then it may be worth examining who truly values your friendship.
If you have a friend who has never told you the truth, then check your circle to know who holds your friendship in line. Truth can be told in sarcastic indifference. It can be exposed through intended humor or otherwise. It can be exposed anywhere only by those who care about you and your growth.
Some friendship gives, and some friendships do not. Giving in this context is not materialistic. Giving in this wise is value. It is dependability, joy, potential, and opportunity. Respect. Love. And support
Women’s friendships, in particular, can be complex and challenging if values are not aligned. If there is no honor, foresight, insight, and hindsight. It should be cherished and valued. It’s not easy to form bonds that last decades, but it’s easy to create enmity that transcends generations.
Funmi Akerele (c)
