The harsh reality of losing everything in life and the need for true and genuine friends beside you.

By Ekaale Ekuam
Have you ever felt like everything you do just isn't enough to change your circumstances? You've tried your hardest, you've pushed against every obstacle, but nothing seems to go your way. You're not alone. Many of us have faced the gut-wrenching trauma of losing something we held dear whether it was a prestigious job, a high social status, or even a cherished relationship. But amidst this loss, there's an even more painful reality, the realization of who your true friends are.
Imagine this, You once held a powerful position in the government or private sector. People surrounded you, vying for your attention and offering support. Family members tried to protect you from misusing your position, friends were more loyal than ever, always eager to know your plans for next the day, and even who you should avoid. Your success was a badge of honor for your family, who boasted about you in the community. You had a network that reached all the way to the top, from the local Member of County Assembly to the President.
But then, everything crumbled. You lost your job. The phone calls stopped. The friends who once crowded around you vanished. The family that once praised you now avoids mentioning your name. Suddenly, you're left in a void, questioning everything. Who do you turn to when your network of "friends" disappears? When the invitations to events dry up and you're no longer welcome in the places you once frequented?
This is the harsh reality for many who experience loss, be it a job, a marriage, or a friendship. The shock of losing your position in society is compounded by the betrayal of those who were once closest to you. Friends who once seemed loyal now appear opportunistic, only around during the good times. Family members who once spoke highly of you now distance themselves, embarrassed by your situation. Colleagues who once respected you now avoid your gaze. Neighbors who were once friendly now whisper behind your back.
When everything falls apart, you're forced to confront the stark reality, people are not always what they seem. Some revel in your downfall, finding satisfaction in your suffering. Others may feign sympathy but do nothing to help. A few might even pretend to support you, all the while playing you for their own gain. It's a lonely place to be, surrounded by insincerity when you need genuine support the most.
So, what do you do? How do you move on from such betrayal? How do you navigate the complex emotions of loss and resentment? How do you rebuild your life when those you trusted have turned their backs on you? It starts with accepting the truth, not everyone in your life is a true friend.
Forgiveness is a powerful tool, but it's not about forgetting what happened or pretending that the betrayal didn't hurt. It's about freeing yourself from the bitterness that can consume you. It's about recognizing who is worth your trust and who is not. It's about moving forward, even if that means leaving some people behind.
In this challenging journey, we must ask ourselves, are we surrounded by people who genuinely care about us, or are we just an opportunity for them? True friends are those who stand by you in both your triumphs and your tragedies. They are the ones who offer support, not for what they can gain but because they genuinely care. They are the ones who help you up when you're down, who listen without judgment, and who remain steadfast in their loyalty.
It's time for us to be more discerning about who we let into our lives. We must seek out friends who are genuine, who have our best interests at heart, and who will stick by us through thick and thin. Because when life takes a turn for the worse, it's those friends who will help us find our way back.
So, take a moment to evaluate the relationships in your life. Are your friends truly genuine, or are they just there for the good times? When the chips are down, will they stand by you, or will they disappear? It's better to have a few real friends than a crowd of fair-weather acquaintances. In the end, genuine friendship is priceless, and it's what will see us through the darkest of times. If someone has not reached out to you in the last three months consider him or her as not a friend or family. Earth is hard,take care of yourself and move on, people don't care, I am telling you politely. Thank me later.
The Author,
Is a Freelance Writer, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management Consultant.