Sometimes, we encounter a painful experience, but when it comes with life lessons, it becomes better, at least.
Blessing used to be my best friend; little did I know she was an enemy in disguise. This lady is very close to me. I knew her right from primary school, and we attended the same university, though different departments. We relocated to the city of Lagos, and our paths crossed again, and we became very close. She would tell me everything she had in mind, including her marriage issues, her job, and her business, and I would advise her based on my little knowledge. It happened for a while, and I saw her as someone I could confide in. Sometimes I would call her when I was in distress, and she would give me genuine advice just like a sister. Blessing knows all my friends, and I knew hers too; she had almost all my friends contacts, both men and females, and I had her own too.
Sometimes we gisted and talked about our friends and family too. I built so much trust in her without knowing that she was an enemy in disguise.At some point, I started noticing how some friends avoid me for unnecessary reasons, how they react at any little provocation. Each time I notice this, I would call Blessing and tell her how some friends talk back at me and all that; she will say I should not mind them.
A day came, and a good friend of mine could not bear it any longer, and she told me how my friend Blessing had been tarnishing my image behind my back, how she recorded every conversation I had with her over the phone and sent it to the person we discussed without including what she said, and all the false accusations she labeled against me. I didn't believe it at the initial time, but she sent all the proof to me, both the voice note and the conversation I had with Blessing. It shocked me to my bone marrow. I nearly developed high blood pressure that very day, but God came through for me.
I sat down and thought about how to handle such betrayal. Should I confront her? Should I ask her the reason she tarnished my image in such a manner? Should I forward her own voice note to the said friend? After all this thinking, I decided to overlook it and allow posterity to judge her. I had to distance myself from her completely.
This has really taught me a big lesson. It has shaped the way I talk. I have become so articulate. Before I send a voice note to anyone, I listen to it like three times to ensure that I am not hurting anyone with my words. I minimize the way I keep friends and set boundaries.Each time I go to bed, I sleep well knowing that I didn't say anything that will hurt anyone.
Overall, it's a life lesson born out of the unpleasant experience I had with Blessing. I hope you got value.Until next time, stay positive!
Note: Images were taken from Canva.