I wish I were more of a ride-or-die type friend, but I'm not. I've learned how to be honest about the things people do, and I let that guide how I engage with them. I do not tell someone I think they're right if I don't. I'm not a person who can support his friends in every decision they make. I don't think supporting people in decisions that will harm them and the people around them is kind or helpful.
I haven't always been this way. I used to have a sense of loyalty that told me that if somebody was my friend, or even if they were just nice to me, I had to overlook everything they said and did that didn’t add up. I learned a few lessons the hard way. I hate to admit it, but I also taught a few people hard lessons.
A person's actions tell you something about who they are. This isn't permanent or unchangeable, but change is a slow process, and you can safely assume that a person will continue to do what they do for the immediate future.
Someone who steals from other people will probably steal from you.
A partner who cheats on other partners will probably cheat on you.
An employee who walks off jobs will walk off on you.
Someone who gets violent with others has a higher potential to be violent with you.
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