ONE THING YOU MUST BE STINGY WITH.

Not minding what you do in life, make sure you find yourself understanding and supportive friends. People who don’t just clap for your success but also sit beside you when the applause fades. People who listen without judgment, speak with honesty, and love with intention.

Friendship, if we’re being honest, can be both a blessing and a curse — the best gift or the worst one you’ll ever receive. It all depends on who you choose to unwrap it with. Some friends come into your life like sunlight — warm, healing, and consistent. Others come like a storm — loud, destructive, and gone before you can recover from the damage.

The truth is, how your life turns out often depends on the people you surround yourself with. The energy around you can either water your growth or drain your spirit. A supportive circle pushes you forward even when you doubt yourself, while a toxic one quietly pulls you backward, all while smiling to your face.

There’s a saying that goes, “Show me your friends and I’ll tell you who you are.” I didn’t really believe that until I found myself mirroring the habits, the language, and even the fears of the people I spent most of my time with. It’s scary how easy it is to lose yourself when you’re surrounded by people who don’t see your value or respect your boundaries.

So, I learned to be selective with my space. I learned that it’s okay to outgrow friendships that no longer align with your peace. It’s okay to say, “This isn’t serving me anymore.” and walk away without guilt. Some friendships are meant to teach you lessons, not last forever — and that’s fine.

But here’s the thing: not everyone who smiles with you wants the best for you. Not everyone around you is your friend. Some people are just there for the benefits — for what they can get from you, for how your light makes theirs look brighter. That’s why you must be careful with who you let close.

Be stingy with the title “friend.” Don’t hand it out freely just because someone checks on you once in a while or shares a laugh with you. Friendship is deeper than that. It’s loyalty when you’re not in the room, support when you’re falling apart, and honesty when you need correction.

In the end, life is already hard enough — don’t let the wrong people make it heavier. Surround yourself with those who make you better, not bitter. People who celebrate your small wins, who tell you the truth even when it hurts, and who choose to stay when things aren’t perfect.

Because friendship, when it’s true, feels like home. But when it’s fake, it’ll drain you until you start questioning your worth.

So, choose wisely. Love deeply. And protect your peace fiercely.

Not everyone deserves access to your heart.

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