We all want friends. (Even us introverts.)
Friends are often a huge source of support, love and fun in our lives.
God did something special when He made friends.
Yet, I can’t help but notice how many people are worn down or even hurt by the friends in their life.
Listen, every relationship will have it’s hard times. No friendship is perfect and there may be times when things get rocky.
But there is a difference between disagreements and disrespect.
There is a difference between a friend pointing out (in love) some concerns they have for you and friends who constantly criticize you.
You don’t need to keep friends in your life who intentionally make you feel bad about who you are, or who view your friendship as a burden.
Here’s my advice: Keep the friends close that don’t make you question where you stand with them.
If they are upset with you (which at some point they very well may be), they’ll tell you why.
Keep the friends that you don’t make you wonder, will they talk to me today? Will they be annoyed with me today? You shouldn’t have to constantly walk on eggshells around a friend.
If they are in a bad mood, they’ll let you know and they won’t take it out on you.
Keep the friends that speak life into you instead of friends that try to one up you or constantly compete with you.
Keep the friends who genuinely want what’s best for you, and know that you feel the same about them.
Of course we should have grace and forgiveness for our friends when they make mistakes (just like we’d want them to for us), but we don’t have to keep them close if they continue to hurt us.
If you are thinking, I don’t have friends like that, ask yourself this: are you being this type of friend to others?
If the answer is “no”, well great, you have something to start working on.
If the answer is “yes”, please know that it’s worth the effort to search for new friends.
But please, don’t keep fighting for friendships with people who don’t value you. You shouldn’t have to fight for someone to see your worth.
God doesn’t ask us to do that.
And honestly, it’s not good for you or for them.
Keep the friends that at the end of the day you know love you and are there for you.
Keep the ones that don’t make you question where you stand with them.
~Kelli Bachara, The Unraveling Blog