The friend who told me to grow up

I used to moan a lot when I was lonely and on my own in a new city. Maybe before then, I had been a moaner too but didn’t realise it.

Then I met a 40-something woman who became my colleague, friend and confidant. We lived in different towns, but used to BBM chat a lot.

To chat with friends virtually was my life when I lived on my own.

Anyway, you know those moments when you pack off on a friend about something or someone? This friend of mine would laugh at me when I complained.

It was so unexpected and it hurt me for a few minutes.

After laughing, she would text me: “Ag grow up!”

It really felt mean when she said it, but I still loved her – shame.

She made me realise though that there’s more to life than just my view. Also, that I could be worse off than what I am now.

Before I moved from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, I adopted the mantra: “This is only temporary. No matter how bad it is, this too shall pass.”

Weirdly enough, I only thought of this mantra when it suited me. I think this is why I appreciated my friend’s brutal honesty.

Writing this, I seriously wish everyone could have a friend like her 🙂

And no, she isn’t just rude. She is also a motivation speaker (an unpaid one) that reminds you of your strengths and your faith.

So Mrs B, thank you for being that friend.