Going through the process of knowing the difference between friends and associates is something that everyone will experience multiple times throughout life. Especially as a young adult, it is common to find yourself falling in with the wrong people. This can happen if you are not around true friends. It is important to remember to make sure that you are investing in friends rather than associates. At my age, it is very easy and common to mistake an associate for a friend. This topic really makes one stop and think, what is a friend? A friend is someone who is loyal, trustworthy, supportive, and the list can go on. But, what is an associate? I'd like to think that an associate is someone who is just there. You don't necessarily trust nor depend on them, but it is someone you often surround yourself with. Although it is not bad to hang around associates, it is important to know when and how to draw the line with them.
A friend is someone you can always depend on. Need something at 3 am? You can always count on them to be there to the rescue. (You may have to blow up their phone to wake them up). Friends will always be on the look out for your greater good. They will support you, even if they don't always agree. They will stand by your side, through thick and thin.
An associate is someone you may only surround yourself with for entertainment purposes, work or classroom environments. They will not be concerned with what is best for you. Rather, they will be concerned with themselves and how they will benefit.
A friend will always want you to succeed and they will help in any way possible to achieve that.
An associate, are often the ones who will stand by and watch you fall but not do anything to assist.
Friends, will defend you when you are not around.
Associates, are the ones who will talk about you when you are not around.
Friends, will not look you in the eyes and lie.
Associates will and it won't phase them either.
Knowing the difference between the two is very important, and essential to life.
Major key: Be careful who you think is on your team and who your opponent is.
The people that you may think is rooting for you, can be the ones who are wishing to see you fail. An important part of being an adult is learning who you can and can't depend on and trust. They say, keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Associates can easily be that enemy, so be aware of who you surround yourself with and who you are investing your time in.
But always, know the difference between friends and associates.
