In the world of folklore, it is believed that rodents inside the house inform rodents outside where the fish basket is hidden. This idea also applies in real life. Only those who know you well or are close to you can potentially harm you with the information they possess. Sometimes we feel betrayed and get hurt by what friends do or have done. While no one is perfect, a true friend won’t intentionally try to hurt you (though it can happen occasionally, and when it does, the impact is often understandable). So, how do we recognize a real friend?

* In times of need: If someone cannot help you, that doesn’t make them your foe. A true friend goes out of their way to make you comfortable, even outside their own comfort zone. A friend is unselfish and genuinely wants to serve you.

* Trustworthiness: For example, my best friend, Franklin, will always stand up for me, even when I am not physically present. The same applies to me. The saying goes, you truly know your friends when they speak about you behind your back.

* Friendship can’t be forced; it simply happens naturally. You recognize a friend through understanding, feelings, concern, mutual interest, and care. One-sided friendships are catastrophic.

* If you trust someone with your life, then that person is truly your friend. If you can leave your food or house in someone’s care, that person holds a lot of trust in your heart. For instance, a friend once took another’s place in prison so his friend could say a final goodbye to his family. He later returned to serve his own punishment, relieving his friend of it. While it’s common to share gossip, personal details, and secrets with friends, it’s wise to limit how much personal information you reveal. Details like bank ID information are unique and should be kept private. Sometimes, ‘friends’ want what you have or believe you don’t deserve it, leading to sabotage or envy, which isn’t healthy. For example, some people do mess with others’ GFs or BFs, and that’s wild. The world is full of dangers that can destroy beautiful things; some matters are better kept private.