Here is a definition of the word “FRIEND”: a person whom one knows and with whom one has a bond of mutual affection, typically exclusive of sexual or family relations.
I believe most of us have friends with some of us having a select few whereas others may have a large number. We communicate with our friends via phone calls, e-mails, text messages and even snail mail. We will meet with them at our houses, restaurants, golf courses, vacation spots and other venues for socialization. We recognize them and they recognize us with gifts for holidays, birthdays and anniversaries.
Although we all have friends some of these friends are better in our lives than others. As an example, a “GOOD” friend will:
- Be there for you at times in your life when you need support, a shoulder to cry on and other situations when you need help
- Always be your friend no matter what your financial status
- Support your efforts to be healthier
Although you may consider them to be your friends, “Not-So-Good” friends:
- Not be there for you when you need them the most
- Base their friendship with you on your financial status
- Derail your efforts to become healthier
Let’s focus on that last bullet point for a bit: Does a GOOD friend:
- Bring you high caloric/high sugar gifts for special occasions when they see you have a weight control problem and are trying to shed weight?
- Force alcohol drinks on you when you are at a social event and politely saying “no”?
- Not have weight-reducing compatible foods at an event at their house when they know you are trying to shed weight?
The answer is that the above bullet points are more compatible with a “Not-So-Good” friend as this relates to their support in you trying to become healthier.
During your long-term weight control efforts try to hang out more with your gym-going, non-alcohol drinking and supportive of your efforts friends…these are the GOOD friends.
And Mary Macgregor sang about “Good Friend”…enjoy!
