avatarNicole Barden

Summary

The author, Nicole Barden, reflects on a personal transformation where they decide to prioritize self-acceptance and personal goals over pleasing others, embracing the role of their own best friend.

Abstract

In the article "Friendship No More," Nicole Barden shares a profound personal revelation about self-discovery and the decision to live authentically. Barden describes a shift from seeking approval to a newfound commitment to self-reliance and personal growth. This transformation involves rejecting the expectations of parents and past friendships, and instead focusing on self-belief and the pursuit of personal happiness. The author emphasizes the importance of being one's own support system, setting personal goals, and surrounding oneself with those who genuinely wish for their success.

Opinions

  • The author has come to realize the importance of self-pleasing over constantly trying to meet the expectations of others.
  • There is a strong emphasis on self-belief as the cornerstone of personal success and happiness.
  • The article conveys a sentiment of disillusionment with fair-weather friends who celebrate the author's successes quietly but are equally silent or perhaps even pleased during failures.
  • The author expresses a clear intention to take control of their life, making it solely their own, free from the influence of parental aspirations or the dynamics of past friendships.
  • Barden asserts that true friends are those who consistently support and root for one's success without ulterior motives.

Friendship No More

Being my own best friend

Photo by Darius Bashar on Unsplash

The hours have drifted away like water floating down the river never to be seen again.

Only the memories are true now. Moved to the back of my mind. Those were hours that my life changed for the better.

I had figured out who I was and how I was going to become me.

I was going to quit pleasing people and start speaking my mind.

I was going to believe in myself because I was the only one who depended on it.

My life was going to be all mine and no one else’s.

Not my parent’s hope of a redo. Not my past friendships.

I would be my best friend Now.

Setting my goals, so when I crushed them, I could slap myself on the back. Not like the people who cheered for me, but who also cheered silently when I failed.

So, Never again will YOU have a front row seat to my dreams.

They are for the people who want nothing but my happiness to make me a success,

And who will root for me the entire time.

— Nicole Barden 1/13/2021

Friendship
Self Improvement
Self-awareness
Poetry
Mental Health
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