Fact is being fact is bitter, but when it strikes the heart, it strikes. We like to shelter ourselves from the harshness of life, but sometimes it is the harshness that teaches us the most. I'd like to share a story that resonates with this sentiment, a story that taught me the importance of humility and self-awareness.
That was like 6 or 7 years ago, when I was on the brink of being an adult, ready to fly the coop and conquer the world. I had recently been accepted into college, and I was on cloud nine. My friends, who were still at home, would often talk about their plans and aspirations, and I would proudly share my own experiences and achievements.
But one day, my friends sat me down and told me something that hit me hard. They said I was starting to develop a sense of pride, a sense of superiority over them because of my college admission. At first, I was taken aback, even defensive. I tried to prove them wrong, to justify my behaviour, but deep down, I knew they were right.
That was a hurtful thing to admit to myself, but I knew that my friends weren't trying to put me down or anything. They were telling me about the change in me, how this change was hurting our relationships, our friendships, everything. I can recall the shame, the guilt, the embarrassment. I didn't know what to do with these feelings, but I knew I needed to do something with them.
I took some time to reflect on my behavior, and I realized that my friends were right. I had been acting superior, looking down on them because of my academic achievements. I had forgotten that success is not just about individual achievements, but also about the people who support and uplift us.
Adjusting to this new reality was not easy. It took time, effort, and self-awareness. I had to admit my faults, apologize to my friends, and try to repair my friendships. I had to learn to listen more and talk less, to respect their hardships and dreams. I had to realize that everyone is on their own path, everyone is strong at something and weak at something.
This experience taught me a valuable lesson in humility. I realized being strong isn't about being successful but staying down to earth and humble. I realized that being in a relationship isn't a contest, or comparison, its about support and being there for each other, and understanding.
As I look back, I realize that my friends' words were not meant to hurt me, but to help me grow. They were not trying to bring me down, but to bring me back to reality. Not that they were knocking me, but that they cared about me enough to tell me my faults.
This experience also taught me the importance of having people around me who are honest and trustworthy. True friends are those that will be honest with you, even if it hurts their feelings. They help me stay on track, they help me grow, and they help me become a better version of myself.
In a world where social media often presents a curated version of success and achievement, it's easy to get caught up in the hype. We tend to look at other's lives and feel like we are not good enough, or sometimes too good for others. But the truth is, everyone has their own struggles, their own doubts, and their own fears.
The sad fact is that none of us are perfect and never will be. We will err, we will falter, and we will fall. It is how we react to these mistakes that counts. Do we get defensive, or do we take responsibility? Do we point the finger or do we simply learn from our mistakes?
Well, the harsh reality of things is that relationships are not always a breeze. They require effort, compromise, and understanding. They require us to listen, to empathize, and to support each other. They make us humble, they make us say sorry, they make us forgive.
The bitter truth is indeed a bitter thing, but it's also a necessary thing. It is a humbling experience that we are not all there, that we must grow, that we must learn. It is just another proof that relationships are not a contest or a scale, but a friendship with support and empathy and understanding.
Therefore, the next person who says something hurtful to you, just remember that they are not trying to hurt you, but only help you improve. Remember that true strength lies not in achieving success, but in staying grounded and humble. Keep in mind that relationships aren't about being perfect, they're about growth, and work, and compromise.
