SEPTEMBER: Frenemies
“There is nothing worse than a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
Avoid false friendships at all costs.”
— Marcus Arelius
It’s obvious that we should keep away from the wicked and two-faced people as much as possible. The jealous friend, the narcissistic parent, the untrustworthy partner. But what if we turn the mirror around?
Perhaps we have all been a frenemy at one point or another. For example, we’ve been nice to someone’s face but later to someone else, we say how we really feel. Or we’ve strung someone along, cared about them when things were going well, and then not so much when things got rough.
In this conversation, ask yourselves what you have learned from false friends. Also, consider when we have been less than true to a friend and what we learned from that experience.
Have you had an experience of a frenemy, someone untrustworthy?
In what relationship have you been too casual or not careful enough?
We say we are supportive of other women, but do we ever put another woman down for being too loud, too flashy, too much?
Can you tell if someone is being by looking someone in the eyes?
Do you sometimes tip-toe around a friend, avoiding a difficult conversation or withdrawing from the relationship?
Have you ever had to stand by while a loved one takes up with a false friend?
Take a moment for self-compassion. We aren’t perfect. When we know better, we can do better. What are your takeaways?