If we are given an option to choose between good report and the truth, many will settle for good report. Note of caution, not all good reports are good enough. The human mind naturally prefers good news but life is in two parts. Given the opportunity, man will even avoid the truth in self denial if it sounds unpleasant. Nothing unusual. That is the way we are wired.

You can easily mistake a friend for a foe because not all of us are gifted with the use of words. Some say it as it is even when they mean no harm but it is not a virtue to play with words that pass the wrong message. Many times, the harmless intention causes more harm than is ever imagined. The more reason that truth should not be served in bitter pills. Truth does not have to be bitter but it should be told.

Not a few of us have misjudged our friends and acquaintances because of what they said or how they said it. Other times we take a hardline position because of what they did not say when we think they should. Maybe we forget that silence is part of communication. Some are bleeding but they are still leading. If you don’t ask, you may not get to know.

Misjudging in relationships has its down sides. Neither is good but one is more fearful than the other. Taking a friend as foe will deny you the benefit of quality relationship. No single one of us can do it all alone, we need one another. The other part is fearful. If you take a foe as friend, it is an error of judgement that could cost you avoidable regrets.

Be wary of the friend who cheers you all the time even when you think you don’t deserve it. Such friends withhold the truth even when it should be told. Their motive may be for self and not essentially because they care. A friend that cares will say the truth but without condemning. Friendship involves the good, the bad and even the ugly.

What you like to hear may not be what is good for you. Who you like to talk may not be who will tell the truth. The foe you take as friend may be the one that has the words that soothe but the one to tell the truth may be the friend you take as foe. Listen to all sides so you can make useful deductions. Just listen.

©️Akin Oluwadare Jnr
25 July 2022