For those of you who don't know what the 80/20 rule is, it's a way to describe the type of relationship you have with people. Basically, we all have certain friends who give 80% effort all the time. If you are the type of friend to give 100% all the time, then you're probably satisfied with the friend who gives you 80% in return. 80% is almost 100%, so most of us would say that's pretty good. The catch is, for the people who are fine with getting 80% (like myself, because let's be realistic, only your absolute best friend is gonna be there for you 100% of the time), we only ask for that extra 20% when times are tough.
For example, Sally considers Joe her best friend. She supports him, she looks out for his best interests, she's there as an ear to listen, but also as a solid person to go to for advice. Sally is a wonderful friend to Joe, and in return Joe is generally there and doing all of these same things. Now, Sally just lost her job and her boyfriend also dumped her. She pretends like she's okay, but Joe (being the best friend he is) should know that Sally needs a shoulder to cry on and a support system that she shouldn't have to ask for. Joe is there for Sally for about a day and then forgets that anything ever happened and goes about his life. All Sally ever wanted was for Joe to be there for her in the moments she truly needed him; the 20%.
The 80/20 rule changed my outlook on life.
In most of my friendships, I'm Sally. I will talk you through bad times, I will make sure your happiness is ahead of everything, and I'm there when needed every single time. I would like to say that I am a really great friend and I think to those who call me their best friend, they would agree.
The 80/20 rule opened my eyes to reality.
In the real world, not everyone is going to be there for you. After going through some of the toughest times in my life this year, I really found out who my true friends are. True friends aren't there for you at their convenience, they're there for you because it's the right thing to do. It's easy to "be there for someone" who's going through a hard time, but to actually make an effort and show that person you care about them is a completely different scenario.
"It is during the worst times of your life that you will get to see the true colors of the people who say they care for you."
Be thankful for your 80/20 friends. They'll teach you to be a better friend and a better person.
