Power can be intoxicating, and riches can really change a person. Sometimes, success comes and instead of making someone better, it changes their whole outlook towards people. A kind and compassionate person can suddenly become proud and distant. Sometimes, it might not be the person but the people they move and relate with can change the way they see the world.
You see, we’ve heard it so many times “the true colors of a person shows when they finally have money or a position of influence.” I used to think it was just one of those sayings until I saw it play out in real life. Friends who once shared everything, even the little we had, begin to drift apart once he made it.
This is not even a story I like to share because this person, I considered him to be a friend but I later discovered that the word "Friend" isn't a word someone should call everyone. Now, this guy is just a guy that happened to know through a real friend. We became acquaintances. He would visit me, and I would do the same. He was always there to talk to and when he has an issue, I would show up for him. He told me he wanted to go into music career and I was happy for him. Long story short, he needed some funds to run a music project, I had my school fee with me, and it wasn't time to pay for school fee. I decided to lend him the money since he needed it urgently.
A month became two, and it was time to pay. Dude, wasn't even picking my calls and I had to send friends to him. He called and apologize, at this time he was already making little waves, and he was getting recognize by people on the internet. After asking and asking, because now, he was very busy, like he said, he doesn't even use his phone until his manager gives it to him. After much talk, he sent the money and I paid, and since then he stopped talking to me. Can I really call him a friend, even though we have eaten from same plate and I have sacrificed big time for him?
But to be fair, I’ve also come to realize that success really changes your schedule. Sometimes, the person isn’t avoiding you intentionally; life just got overwhelming, and they are trying to manage new responsibilities. Still, that doesn’t mean friendships should be abandoned. Balance is very important.
On the flip side, I’ve also asked myself if I’ve changed towards people in certain moments. The truth is, I have. Not because I felt too big, but because sometimes your mindset grows, your priorities shift, and you no longer flow in the same direction with some friends. It’s not always pride, sometimes it’s growth. I have heard the word "You just forget us or you just forget me" countless times and the truth is, I did not but most time we have nothing in common to discuss about.
At the end of the day, success will always reveal something either the genuineness of a person or the shallowness of their character. It’s up to us to stay grounded and not forget those who were with us before the spotlight. Tables turn, and tomorrow the one you look down on today might be the one in the position to help you. This is why no matter where I find myself, I always make sure to keep in contact with my day one gee, even though we talk few times in a month.
Thanks for reading. My name is Fashtioluwa.
All images used are mine
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