Friends Are Not Always Friends, Sometimes More… Sometimes Less
What is a friend? A quick Google search puts this as the number one answer:
1. a person whom one knows and with whom one has a bond of mutual affection, typically exclusive of sexual or family relations.
https://www.google.com/search?q=define%3A+friend&rlz=1CDGOYI_enUS1057US1057&oq=define%3A+friend&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIGCAEQRRg60gEINDcxOGowajSoAgGwAgHiAwQYASBf&hl=en-US&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8
Well, that says it all, right?! Probably not. A friend is someone that you enjoy doing things with and can confide in. They are the people you want to do things with because you enjoy their company. A friend is someone you call to do something with – see a movie, have dinner, or call to talk – shoot the crap if you will. A friend is someone who cares about your well-being. Oftentimes, friends are the ones that “have your back.” However, some people with your back do not know what that means or the message that entails to make sure you are being a friend.
What is a friend not? Well, sometimes friends are the jealous types who try to be your “best friend” because they are jealous of who you are or see you as the one who is down and doesn’t want the best for you. Every now and again, you get a friend who thinks they are superior to someone when the reality is that they are just jealous of your progress. They are the ones that are holding themself back and often try to hold you back. This is hard since the person doing that is often unhappy with their own life.
Friends Holding You Back
Think about things this way: if you were in the military, you would understand this mentality. In the military, higher ranks would say that your friends back home are doing the same thing they did when you left and will often try to hold you back from bettering yourself. This is a true sentiment still. Remember, when you try to better yourself, someone will always feel bad about you doing better and will be mad that you are bettering yourself. Friends who do this can still be friends; however, they are the ones that will be okay to let go of the wayside. Let them better themselves, and we can cheer them on together.
Not all friendships are built on the same foundation. In many cases, the type of friend described earlier—the one who feels threatened by your success or shows jealousy—can be a red flag. It’s crucial to recognize these signs and understand that sometimes, the best thing for both parties is to create some distance.
Be The Best Friend For You
While it might seem harsh, it’s essential to prioritize your own growth and well-being. This doesn’t mean you should turn your back on struggling people, but rather that you should be aware of those who consistently bring negativity into your life. This could manifest in passive-aggressive comments, undermining your achievements, or making you feel guilty for progressing positively. These friends often struggle with their insecurities and project them onto you.
Supportive friends celebrate your achievements and cheer you on as you chase your dreams, even if it means taking different paths. They recognize that growth often involves change and are flexible enough to go with the flow. These friends may not always share your viewpoint, but they honor your choices and are there when you need a helping hand. That’s exactly what FreedomSystem.org offers our veterans—a steadfast friendship that stands by your side through thick and thin. We’ll be honest if we think you’re off track, but we’ll also be your loudest cheerleaders when you make great decisions!
Mutual Respect
The best friendships are based on mutual respect and support. These friends are honest with you, even when it’s uncomfortable. They offer constructive criticism when needed but are also your biggest cheerleaders. They want to see you thrive and will do what they can to help you get there.
So, what should you do if you realize a friend is holding you back? Start by honestly conversing with them about how their behavior affects you. Sometimes, people aren’t aware of the impact they’re having and might change once it’s brought to their attention. However, if they continue undermining you or making you feel bad for pursuing your goals, it might be time to reevaluate the relationship.
In the end, friendship is about balance and reciprocity. It’s about supporting each other, sharing joys and sorrows, and growing together. If you find yourself in a situation where the friendship is causing more harm than good, it’s okay to let go. It doesn’t mean you don’t care about them—it just means you’re choosing to prioritize your own happiness and growth.
Ultimately, the journey of life is filled with transitions. Friends will come and go, and that’s okay. The most important thing is to surround yourself with people who lift you up and inspire you to be the best version of yourself. These are the friends worth keeping for the long haul.
Coming Up! More Friend Activities!
Do you need some more camaraderie events? FreedomSystem.org has you covered! FSO: Mountain Bike Association is starting back up! We have a ride on the 11th of May. We also have the Remember Event on 18 May 2024 at 17:00. Come see us and have fun! Make some new friends that will cheer you on!
Until Next time:
PEACE
Well Spoken and wise you are.