Boundaries and Privacy in Friendships

Often, we tend to have a sense of entitlement towards our friends. We believe that we can walk into their households whenever we can, wear their clothes …etc. To be honest, is this appropriate? Let’s break this down.

Tu es mon ami: You are my friend. this is one of the biggest misunderstood statements. Okay, we are friends so what? As rude as it sounds… come to think of it, Is it? Better is a snake below a tree than the one tangled. it’s dangerous to make assumptions yet your friend might be hurting. Or worse, hating and gossiping about you. Let’s look it up, shall we? (Ai definition) Friends are individuals with whom you share a connection, and the relationship often involves shared interests, experiences, and a willingness to help and be there for each other.

PHOTO COURTESY

The definition of a friend encompasses feeling and emotion. These two are ”lethal ” You can neither see nor touch them. I get it, he/she’s your bestie, and you ride or die. Your ride-or-die is uncomfortable. The plastic smile comes on because they love you or it’s completely fake.

I have learned we can never be the same. Let’s use this analogy; the patterns on your hands. The hands belong to you. Are they the same? no. Friendships come with a lot. The same post” Know your place” is equally applied here.

I know he trusts you, y’all are bros but here is the thing. As a guy who gets attached, giving people privacy goes a long way in self-awareness. Not only do you become aware but also decisive. Boundaries are the deal breakers. If you aren’t accustomed to a certain belief (citing reasons) it is so okay. Unfortunately, we don’t admit that friendships have a sense of vulnerability that can easily influence your decisions.

All in all, if your friend tells you to get in without knocking please save yourself and knock on the door. Boundaries and privacy still count. We are human and we change. Let’s note that shall we?