People do say “show me your friend and I will tell you who you are”. Our friends form us. We are a product of the people we surround ourselves with.
A good friend is someone who is trustworthy, does not talk behind your back, listens to your problems, gives good advice and tries to lend humor along with his or her support.
There are also bad friends, those who pretend to care and then turn around gossiping and springing up a drama. No matter how good you are to them, does not mean they will treat you the same. No matter how much they mean to you, does not mean they will value you the same. Sometimes the people you love the most, turn out to be the people you can trust the least.
As much as our families shape who we are, friends are responsible for a big portion of who we have become and who we will be.
Your friends are an indication of what you value. Psychologists and sociologists have done tons of researches on peer pressure and mob action, and have found them to be effective in affecting actions of individuals.
Everyone knows the company you keep can push you to greatness or infamy. Friends affect your career and success more than prayer.
Do you have any genuine friends? Those who are not driven by money, status, and ego? To be honest, it gets harder to find such people in this day and age. They exist but are few and far between. So if you know one, you are truly blessed. Respect them. Keep them close.
If you have friends who will show up when you are down, you are blessed. There are too many fair-weather friends in this world. Remember, not everyone has the capacity and will be present when you are not thriving – it takes a special heart to be there for you during those moments. On your part, make a conscious effort to surround yourself with positive, nourishing and uplifting people.
Remember, it is not the quantity of your friendships, but rather the quality that counts.
Kayode Samson is an ND1 student of the department of Mass Communication
