by Shawn Dawson

Created on: December 23, 2008

When your best friend becomes your worst enemy...That is the topic of the century. Everyone's definition of "friend" is different. Let us define the term "friend" first.

A friend is someone who accepts you for who you are. A friend is someone who helps you, and you help them in return. A friend is someone who you can confide in.

With that being said, if your friend becomes your worst enemy, were they really a friend to begin with? My story is an example of just that.

When my family and I moved to a new state, we were greeted by an older woman. She appeared sweet and kind. She immediately fell in love with our 3 year old daughter and we quickly became friends, spending lots of time together, confiding in each other, even watching each other's house when the other went away. Then, things changed. She had procured a job for me as the maintenance and cleaning person for the building we lived in. I worked that job for a month before she called me to her house to fire me. This was because I was not a company and the association did not want any liability. Ever since then, my "friend" changed. She moved her spare key and began leaving demanding notes regarding work that I was supposed to do for her, as well as notes telling me that I embarrassed her by not contacting influential people that she told me to contact.

At this point, I knew that I was only a friend because of what I could do for her. This hurt.

That is when the friendship began to be one of enemies, and I began to question if this was ever a friendship to begin with. How can it move that quickly?

My advise is simply this...choose your friends wisely. Make sure that the person that you are considering to be friends with is genuine and true. Do not jump into something that may be destructive and hurtful. Not everyone is friendship material. Make sure that you don't fall into the trap like I did.

Now, I must deal with this so-called friend. The best way is to discuss the problem with this individual and either end it or mend it. Simple as that. It is better to end it rather than continue on with a viral relationship with someone who would rather use you. Do not end the friendship on a sour note, but be cautious of individuals like this. Be cordial and polite, but the confidence and trust must be protected. Be careful who you call a friend...you just might destroy yourself and the word's true definition.

Learn more about this author, Shawn Dawson.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.