Friend or Foe?

In the story telling world, it is believed that rodents in the house are the ones to inform rodents outside where the fish basket is hidden. This applies in real life. Only those who know or are close to you can harm you with the information they have about you.

Sometimes we feel betrayed and then hurt over what friend's do/did. Well, it's true no one is perfect, but a real friend won't put himself in a position to deliberately hurt you (It does happen though, once in a while, but the magnitude is forgiveable).

So how do we know a friend?

* In times of need: If someone can't help you, it doesn't make the person a foe. A friend goes beyond his comfort to make you comfortable. A friend is unselfish and wishes to serve you.

* Testimonies behind you: For instance my best friend, Franklin will always fight for me even when I was physically unavailable. The same with me. So the saying goes you know your true friends when they talk about you in your absence.

* Friendship can't be forced. It just happens. So you know when someone is a friend. It goes with some understanding, feelings, concern, mutual interest and care.

* If you trust someone with your life then the person is a friend. If you can let someone guard your food or house, then he/she holds a lot of trust space in your heart. For instance, a friend took another's prison detention so that his friend could go say final goodbye to his family. He did come back to take his punishment and relieve his friend of it!

Though it seems normal to share gossips, personal details and secrets with friends, it is wise to reduce the amount of personal information you give out. Info like bank ID details is very personal and must be kept as such.