Steem4nigeria Accelerator Contest Week 84: Dealing with "Frenemies"

Source

Based on the introduction given, define "frenemy" in your own words.

According to definition a "Frenemy" exists as a person who combines positive friendly characteristics with opposing adversarial traits in their relationships with others. Such individuals show friendly along with adversarial behavior which makes their role as friend or enemy difficult to determine. A frenemy maintains a precarious relationship which alternates between supportive actions and negative behaviors thus making you constantly alert.

And balancing oneself becomes essential when dealing with this unclear friendship enemy relationship which creates emotional exhaustion requiring smart actions for self preservation. Also frenemy relationships create fascinating experiences which push us to think differently about our friendships as well as personal boundaries.

Have you had any experience with such people who claim to be your friend, if yes, share with us?.

I have developed several relationships that qualify as frenemies throughout my life and a significant experience stands out to me because my colleague would ask me to join their lunches even though they showed zero genuine interest in hearing about my life.

Source

And during my back they spread rumors about me and attempted to damage my work output but the confusing relationship drained me yet I mastered the ability to establish boundaries which led to preserving healthful space between us and this experience showed me the necessity of understanding real friendship from pretentious relationships.

How can one guard ourselves against frenemies early enough before they harm us.

Here are ways we can guard ourselves against frenemies.

Notice when their speech and conduct do not align with each other.

Look out for both manipulative conduct and passive-aggressive behavior.

Clear communication helps you present your needs directly to others.

Self-care becomes critical for maintaining enough separation from unfriendly relationships.

Construct a network of positive people who will offer uplifting support for your growth.

Trust your inner voice along with any warning signs which may appear.

Your proactive behavior together with your watchful approach enables you to avoid frenemies and create spaces filled with supportive people who will enhance your life.

Who is a true friend and how can you identify one?

A person who exhibits authentic care combined with true support and dedicated loyalty makes up what we call a true friend and a true friends exhibit dependability along with trustworthiness and sincerity because they always give listening ears and helpful guidance. Your true friends accept your entire self because judgment and conditions do not constrain their acceptance.

Source

And here is how we can identify true friends 👇

Your trust receives both confidentiality treatment and respectful handling from them.

Your true friends will demonstrate understanding behaviors in addition to sympathy when you require help.

Next to your family your true friends will applaud your achievements and stand by you during your struggles.

They maintain open dialogue by sharing sincere information with you.

Your friends allocate sufficient time to spend with you while keeping your relationship as a priority.

Thanks for reading my post I'm inviting @chant, @okere-blessing and @aviral123.