I compare my friends to some of my paper works.
Like the bunch of files, I compile my memories of them in one folder. I take care of them as I do so to my files, which I keep in a clean and firm folder where they can all be safe, neatly and smoothly pressed. And like my friends, the files are informative.
When I flip through the papers in these folders, I find differences. Some have become filthy because of gathered dust. Others remained neat and crisp. Some have creased or have become torn. Others have gone yellow because of age.
While it’s a chore to keep that many files, it’s similarly has also become a chore to sustain multiple relationships.
So, like tearing up all the unnecessary files, I sever ties with some friends. I know deep down who that one friend is that I must keep. And I know I’ll be okay with just one set of wholesome, easy and comfortable friends who won’t roll their eyes when I ask to sit in the middle.
They won’t talk behind my back to other so-called friends, and definitely won’t ignore you in the group text.
I know that one friend is there for me when I need someone’s lap to cry into. I know he would hold my secrets like my own. He’s trustworthy, compassionate and, most important, there for me. He isn’t one of the 100 sometimes-friends; he’s the one who’s always there.
It’s a real relationship, something we begin to crave with maturity and age. We look for depth and integrity. We yearn for real conversations, the kind that will sustain and nurture us after all the small talk we’ve been forced to endure all day.
We look for meaning in our lives and become pickier about who we let into our private worlds.
It just comes down to the fact that I’d rather have $1 instead of 100 pennies. I’d like one crisp bill, instead of a handful of change that’s pulling me underwater. Back then, I thought I was not in place but right now, right this moment, I am in the exact right place.
The other thoughts I have on this are:
- One friend might cause a scene; 100 friends are a full-scale drama.
- One friend is just one person to please; 100 friends means you’ll never please yourself.
- One friend is a brother or a sister; 100 friends are barely acquaintances.
- One friend is the perfect birthday gift; 100 friends are carbon-copy wall posts.
- One friend is big ideas; 100 friends are a bunch of small talk.
- One friend is brunch reservations; 100 friends are never getting a f*cking table.
- One friend is plans; 100 friends are obligations.
- One friend is a shared secret; 100 friends are no secrets kept.
- One friend is sharing something real; 100 friends are sharing an Instagram post with limited likes.
- One friend is meaningful conversation; 100 friends are that group chat you mute.
- One friend is a fight; 100 friends are all-out back-stabbing war.
- One friend is an ear; 100 friends are too many people in yo’ business.
- One friend is dinner dates; 100 friends are being stuck on the end.
- One friend is splitting the bill, 100 friends are throwing way too many bills.
- One friend is a debate; 100 friends are a corrupted courtroom.
- One friend is a sleepover; 100 friends are a hard floor and no sleep, literally.
- One friend is a partner in crime; 100 friends are just trouble.
- One friend is perfect for walks; 100 friends are out of pace.
- One friend is a good time; 100 friends are too much time.
- One friend is someone to laugh with; 100 friends are a joke taken too far.
- One friend is shared meals; 100 friends are no room at the table.
- One friend has your back; 100 friends talk behind it.
- One friend is a thriller; 100 friends are just scary.
- One friend is gold; 100 friends are diggers.
- One friend is special moments; 100 friends are disposable ones.
- One friend is kicking ass; 100 friends are a pain in the ass.
- One friend is a thoughtful gift; 100 friends are an empty wallet.
- One friend is 100 stories; 100 friends are one big lie.
- One friend is always there; 100 friends you can’t get away from.
- One friend is easy-going; 100 friends are easy to piss off.
- One friend is like your favorite whiskey; 100 friends are a bad hangover.
- One friend has your back; 100 friends are just trying to front.
- One friend is a wingman; 100 friends are competition.
- One friend fits the frame; 100 friends don’t make the cut.
- One friend is an adventure; 100 friends are getting lost.
- One friend is clarity; 100 friends are a headache.
- One friend saves your life; 100 friends don’t even save you a seat.
Having friends boosts up our confidence, and it’s a good thing to have friends we can rely on anytime.
Have courage to pick the good friends and keep an eye on those who are not. Be optimistic and stay happy with all the people who surround you. Have faith and learn to trust people! Because I’d rather have one friend than have a hundred sh*tty ones.
***Cyril Razon a 19-year-old college student who loves everything about arts.