Hello dear readers, the new age gentleman would like to talk about getting the edge, taking advantage, and gaining leverage.  All three sound the same but they are quite different — especially when it concerns friendships and relationships.

It is unfortunate that there are people out there who do not see anything wrong with taking advantage of someone using the tie of friendship, and unfortunately it is hard to spot the people who would rather take and do nothing in return.

Ask yourselves this, dear readers; how many of you out there have had friends who are always in need of money, a ride, a place to stay, or help with any type of work.  Now ask yourselves how many of these friends were there for you when you needed something done yourself. Where were they when you needed someone to talk to you or listen to your problems?  I am very honoured to say that I have a good number of such friends, but there have been some in my past who have not been so keen. There are some friends who believe just sharing a laugh is good enough, that they are entitled to borrow money and pay back whenever they wish, if at all.  Or they place their own problems at a higher level no matter how big or small they may be, they always believe that whatever is happening to them is a much bigger priority then anything you may be doing.

I'm not saying then when you're a friend or when you have a friend that you should expect anything from them. What I am saying is that when you promise to help or give something to a friend then you're making a commitment based on a bond shared, something sacred in any culture.  All to easily we justify someone else's actions and try to rationalize by giving them the benefit of the doubt.  But are you helping them or yourself by doing this time and time again?  When do you finally stop saying, “It's okay,” to a misdeed done to you over and over?  Being taken advantage of is not a pleasant feeling; it's very nauseating to know that trust that you placed in someone was not only shattered, but perverted.

I write this article in my usual series of mannerisms because if there is anything I hate, it's someone getting away with abusing trust placed in them.  So in order to prevent this from happening, I ask you all not to instantly distrust your friends but rather to take a minute to reflect. It would be great if things stayed the same but people change and whether it be for better or worse they will not be the same person you once knew. Reflection will help to either enhance the bond or severe the ties of those burdening you with their load just because they are too lazy or scared to face their own reflections in the mirror.
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