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Learning about friends During my senior year in college, my parents struggled and managed to buy a used Ford Pinto wagon for me to use commuting back and forth to my student teaching assignment. Even though it wasn’t much on looks, it was my very first vehicle and I was truly proud. When I wasn’t using the wagon, I allowed my friend to use it, assuming that’s what friends do. I also assumed that my friend wouldn’t dare misconstrue my kindness for weakness. Well, after about two months, guilt took total control of me. I knew that my parents really struggled to help me by purchasing the wagon, and they would be devastated if something happened to it. With great reluctance, I told my friend that I needed the keys back and how guilty I felt, assuming she would understand. Not! She exploded in anger, slammed the keys on the desk and told me that I was less than a friend for taking the keys (which were mine) from her. I’ve learned the hard way that sometimes people are your friends only as long as they’re receiving and you’re giving. Lucy Beamon |
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