Focus

I believe in the brotherhood of all men, but I don't believe in wasting brotherhood on anyone who doesn't want to practice it with me. Brotherhood is a two-way street. ~ Malcolm X 

Someone gave a friend of mine advice tonight. They said that you shouldn't be friends with someone who is not always there for you, even though you may always be there for them. I've heard this advice before, but didn't really think much of it because I figured I did this already. After reflecting on this, I realized that I do not do this. I continue to be a great friend to those who have hurt me and continue to hurt me. It isn't fair that I expect something from them, when in reality they are using me for either attention or just to have someone around. Sometimes I stand back and wonder- do they really care about me? Sure, they may say it, but in the grand scheme of things, do they even consider me a true friend. I've had my share of these type of people that caused me to wonder and just now have I accepted the fact that I cannot be there for someone who is not there for me. So from this post forward, I will not be putting my time into friendships where the other person does not put in their time as well. A friendship is a mutual relationship where the other person tries to continue it, just like me.