Mirror Friends

We all need people who love us enough to tell us the things we don’t want to hear. Without “mirror friends,” folks who will reflect the truth back to us, we all end up making decisions we might regret.

The above is taken from a blog I read regularly, and it really speaks truth about the nature of true friends. The idea stems from age-old wisdom that wounds from a friend can be trusted. I've had mutual agreements with close friends that we would call each other on things that weren't right. Sometimes it can be a hard thing to do, almost always uncomfortable, but also needed.

A concept in the UK is the "tall poppy syndrome", where it is a common practice for peers to cut each other down if one is excelling in a certain area. On the one hand I can understand that this is counter-intuitive, because it's putting a limit on greatness (why cut a friend down when something good is happening, and instead rejoice with those who rejoice?). On the other hand I can appreciate the intention behind it, acting as a precaution for an unchecked ego. Just as wounds of a friend can be trusted, it's an enemy who multiplies kisses.

Something I've been thinking about this week is in the value of friends. The ones who care enough about you to be open and honest, direct and real. It's hard sometimes, to be that friend, but so worth it.