Advice from Self to Self

Posted on July 6, 2002 in Reflections

When you leave a place or situation, take count of your friends. This is how you will know them: Tell them what you actually believe led to your breaking with the past and then listen to their response. If they say “you’re paranoid” or “you take things way too personally” or words to that effect, don’t include them in the count. Denial in any way that you are capable of thinking for yourself or an outright rejection of your views because they upset a comfortable world view are good signs that there is no real friendship here. Real friends speak honestly and truly, they take risks in what they say to you but they also respect your feelings. They love you even if you have differences. Count these and these alone in the great book of life.