MOTIV-8 MAGAZINE 4th edition | Page 22

Friends - S TA C Y M U G A M B I CHOOSE THOSE WHO CHOOSE YOU. Friendship is a concept that is often misunderstood especially by those of us trying to discover ourselves in this confusing, dark and sensitive teenage and young adult stage. Seeing as I have not lived long enough to have experienced it all and to know everything, I'd like you to get comfortable and let me share with you some of the valuable lessons I have learnt along the way. 1. Having a small circle of friends doesn't make you less worthy or unpopular. Crowds often mislead us, and no matter how mentally strong you are or how much you claim that you cannot be inuenced by peer pressure, half of the decisions you make at this point and time of your life are based on a crowd mentality and I can guarantee that at the end of it all you'll regret it. Having fewer friends who appreciate you, build you up and are genuinely concerned about you, is a blessing. A few real friends are more valuable than a crowd of people that seem to hang on to your every word. That small circle of real friends can be a strength in times of need. 2. Choose friends who choose you. Good friends never make you feel secluded; they never make you feel as though you don't belong. If you constantly have to force your way into your friend`s plans or have to beg for their company, it's about time you pack your bags and check out of that friendship, because you're not needed there. You should never have to beg for company or time from those who genuinely love you. Those want to spend time with you will denitely create time for you, and those who love you will denitely show it. They will never make you feel left out intentionally. 3. Genuine friends look out for you no matter what. A good friend always has your back. They will 21