Real Friendship

This photo got lots of attention and messages when I put it on Facebook and Instagram. Lots of messages like, “This shows true friendship.” and “I love your excitement for her.” My favorite was, “Wow. I can tell you love her as a friend. That’s real.”

Friend. We are ONLY here for real.

Background of the (super unflattering) photo: My best friend/ business partner/ family just found out she was named the Assistant Principal of Instruction at our new primary school that opens this summer. Y’all. Her dream job. My dream job for her. She’s going to be perfect for this.

Naturally I was sprinting down the hall to cheer and cry WITH her. I have prayed for God’s plan for her. I feel like THIS is true friendship.

At the age of 36 it has hit me: Not everyone wants you to succeed. Not everyone is a “friend.” This crushes me to my core. It also makes me want to protect my true friendships even more.

I read a post about a “frenemies.” Not everyone claps when you are successful. Not everyone praises your name in a room you’re not in. Not everyone wants to see you win. I don’t have time for these friends.

So I am going to be the friend that cheers for you. I am going to be the friend that shares your business page. I am going to be the friend that prays for you when you are in the trenches of some hard life stuff. I want you to be successful.

I was sitting at dinner with three of my closest friends last week and I found myself thinking, “I love them. I could come up with the craziest idea and they would say, “Cool! Sign me up for that.” They are the best. They have cheered for me, supported me, and loved me through every chapter. THE PART THAT I LOVE THE MOST: Even when we disagree on something…. we still love each other. I know we aren’t “out to outshine” each other. Gosh…. this is what I want in life.

Bottom line: Not everyone is happy for you. So I’m going to protect and pray for my circle. Be a true friend, friends.