How many times have we heard that old saying, "I thought that we were friends"? It's funny because sometimes I see that kids are better friends than adults.
Kids can be mad at each other for a moment and then the next moment they are friends again.
Can we say the same about Adults? Normally when adults are mad they remain mad for years to come.
Why is that? I guess from my own experience it has to do with severity of the situation.
But what if that person isn't apart of the situation they are just bystanders or extended family? I have noticed associates are those who like you because you have something they want.
Prestige, money, or association.
A friend is a friend no matter what you have or don't have.
Associates will tell others what they have done for you.
A friend conceals the matter and you never hear of it again.
Associates are ready to believe the worse in you before they even hear the whole story.
A friend knows that this person isn't mean they are hurt and misunderstood.
A friend doesn't have to hear the story because they already know and understand why you do what you do.
We need to make distinctions between friends and associates.
Associates could care less what you think or feel but a friend feels what you feel and doesn't condemn nor judge you on it.
As I'm writing this piece now I'm reflecting on whose my associates and whose my friends.
A dear lady told me one day that if I have 3 friends in my lifetime then be happy because most people are only your associates.
Now I understand.
How About you? When you know who are friends vs your associates then you know how to handle them or how NOT to handle them.