No one is a friend to his friend who does not love in return.

— Plato

GRATITUDE

WHAT THIS MEANS

Friendship is not a one-way arrangement. You can admire, help or care for someone deeply, but if the affection is not returned, what you have is devotion rather than friendship. Mutuality is part of what the word means, which is why one-sided friendships feel so draining even when nobody behaves badly.

Consider whether any of your friendships have become mostly one-directional, with you always initiating, always giving, always listening. You do not have to end them, but you might gently reduce your investment and see what the other person does with the space. Their response will tell you what the friendship actually is.

A QUESTION TO SIT WITH

Which friendship have you been receiving more than giving in?

MORE IN TRUST, LOYALTY & RELATIONSHIPS

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