Post by Adesanya Ayotola (@adesanya_ayotola)

Anybody who can only relate with the best version of you is a dangerous person to have in your life. Life has a way of humbling every one of us. Sooner or later, we will all "collect." None of us is perfect. No matter how disciplined, principled, or careful we think we are, we cannot fully predict the mistakes we may make or the storms we may one day face.

The real test of a relationship is not how people treat you when you're winning but how they respond when you're struggling, when you've failed or when your name is surrounded by misunderstanding. It was only when I experienced this first hand that I realized I had many acquaintances but very few friends. My true friends were as few as the pupils of my eyes.

Pain has a way of separating the crowd from the covenant, the spectators from those who genuinely stand with you. I have also come to realize that one reason many people remain naive is because they have never had a truly determined enemy. It is easy to believe everyone means well when no one has intentionally worked against you. Opposition has a way of educating you. It teaches discernment. It forces you to look beyond words to study patterns, motives and character.

The lesson is not to become cynical or suspicious of everyone. The lesson is to become wiser. Discernment is not hatred; it is maturity. It is understanding that not everyone who applauds you is for you and not everyone who walks away from you was ever with you. Choose your friends carefully. Surround yourself with people who have room for your humanity, not just your success. Because anyone who only loves the polished version of you may abandon you the moment life reminds them that you are human.

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