Good friends

Time for the second story. This is about the power of true friendships, and it takes us back to when I started working. My first job was at a manufacturing company. After six months of training for the new graduates—aroun

d 25 of us—we were treated to an induction party. It was a simple event with dinner and drinks.

Now, I don't drink or smoke, but many of my colleagues, including some senior salespeople, were enjoying their drinks and cigarettes. We were all having a good time chatting when one particular senior sales guy became quite intrigued by my decision not to drink or smoke. He kept pressing me, asking, "Why don't you take a drink? Why don't you just have a taste?" I politely declined multiple times.

I was with a friend of mine who was enjoying his liquor. The sales guy turned to him and said, "What kind of friend are you? You're not even making your friend drink. You’re not even encouraging him to try it. What kind of friend are you?"

That moment was pivotal. If my friend had given in and said to me, "Yeah, why don't you just try it? Stop being stubborn," I might not have taken the drink, but I would have certainly lost respect for him. Instead, he turned to the sales guy and firmly replied, "No, I am the kind of friend who doesn't force a friend to do anything they're not comfortable with."

His words left a lasting impression on me. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of having good friends—those who respect your choices and support you without pressuring you.

So, that’s the story for today. Surround yourself with friends who respect your right choices and help you become a better person. Thanks for reading.