A True Friend

A saw a quote recently that said a true friend will be there for you even when they rather be somewhere else.  As soon as I read it, I immediately thought of a time I had done that for a friend.  As I was listening to her cry, I felt guilty that I wanted to be somewhere else.  I wanted to be somewhere else but I stayed because she needed me. I was there for her many times before and many times after. Unfortunately, years later when I really needed her she was not there for me.  I got a lot of lame excuses -- I felt so used. Even though it was a long time ago, I guess I still have not gotten over the hurt of that.  Suddenly, she was in the position where she need me again.  I was hesitant due to a history of her taking and never giving.  It felt a little heartless not to help her out but yet I didn't want to be taken for a fool.

A couple weeks ago, I had a conversation about giving someone another chance versus guarding yourself from being taken advantage of.  I think it is very difficult to know when to do what.  As a teacher, I had many students that their word meant nothing to me since they had been given so many chances but never delivered.  As the saying goes "I can't hear what you are saying because your actions are speaking too loud".  So when is the point that you can start trusting someone again?  I think you should forgive but when do you give them another chance?

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