Throughout my life, I’ve encountered the best of friends, and the worst. Bad friends and the relationship we had hurt me, but at the same time, they taught me a lot things. They’ve made me into a stronger, better person. Here are some positive lessons I’ve learned from them:
1. How to be a better friend
Being friends with people who were bad friends have taught me how to be a good one. I treat my friends the way I would want to be treated. Respect, kindness, a good heart and open ears are all you need in order to be there for someone. Never leaving someone to feel neglected or used is vital. It sounds like common sense, but to some, it doesn’t come so easy.
2. Not everyone has the same heart as you do
When you’re kind to someone, you just sort of expect the same thing in return. But, that’s not always the case. Sometimes, the things you would do for someone are the things they wouldn’t think twice of doing for you. Not everyone is going to try to be the most genuine person they can be. You can’t expect the same in return from everyone, or else you’ll just come to a lot of let downs.
3. Hold the door for anyone who wants to walk out of your life
In the past, I used to get so upset whenever I would feel myself losing a friend of mine. I’ve come to terms that if someone wants to be in your life, they will make sure to put an effort in. There’s no need for getting upset when people continuously blow you off for other plans. If they can’t realize what a great person you are to have around, then let them go. There are plenty of other people who would love to have you around, anyways.
4. People change
It’s hard to see a friend slowly changing who they are. But, that’s life. People meet other people and do things that eventually just change them completely, sometimes into a person they swore they would never be. As much as you want to hang onto the person who they used to be, sometimes it’s better to just let go. It’s better to end a friendship on good terms rather than hating each other for growing apart.
5. My own happiness is important, too
Staying friends with someone who makes you genuinely sad and upset because you feel like you have to is no excuse. If someone is constantly bringing you down and not making you happy, it’s time to cut them out of your life. Your happiness should come first and before anything. There’s no reason to stay “friends” with someone who is mean and rude. Even if others might not also see it and agree with you, they eventually will. Never have patience for someone who does not deserve it.
