Regardless of whether you recognize it or not, there is a difference between real friends and associates. In the bible, Jesus had 12 friends but only three best friends. Best friends are there when you are down and they understand what you are going through. An associate is a person that you talk to occasionally but you may not be as close as with your best friends. With associates, you may not talk to them or trust them with all of your deepest secrets. Both are essential to getting through life though. Without associates you may find yourself feeling alone when it comes time to pick partners for your project and you are alone…
When friends bring you down- Sometimes you may notice that whenever you are around a certain friend you leave from their presence feeling confused or awkward. When talking to a real friend you should leave talking to them feeling like yourself. If a friend makes you feel uncomfortable about yourself, about what they are doing, or about what they talk about you may want to back away from them slowly. This is especially true if you look up to this older friend..
Navigating friendships and telling the difference between a friend and an associate can be a sticky business but I promise that if I can make it through school with 3 good friends so can you.
Bye..
-G.