FOREVER IS THE DEAL

The importance of our network cannot be overstated. Our circle of friends says a lot about us. Friends are like our guiding angels or protectors because, when you have the right ones, they stick with you not just on good days but also in trying times. There's this common saying that says, "Show me your friend, and I will tell you who you are. This is very true in a good circle of friends because, among each and every one of them in that circle, you'll see some similarities in their wealth, intelligence, well-being, knowledge, and much more.

_{Thumbnail designed by me on canva.}

Being an introvert, I do not have a large network. But the few I've been blessed with have been exceptional. Their impact in my life, how I deal with situations, and general well-being can never be overstated. There are days I could have given up; there are days I was overwhelmed with depression; there were days I was broke and couldn't even afford the lowest penny to cater for myself. Thanks to the network I have, they've been so supportive that hardly anyone will know I was going through all of this.

Although we have not had as much work to do as we would have liked, we are comfortable and improving on a daily basis. What has kept us going is that we carry each other along. When one of us sees an opportunity to improve their lives, we will try as much as possible to inform others and advise them on how they were able to scale through and what the other should do to excel in such a situation as well. There's this common saying that being rich alone isn't joyful; there is joy in going into a place with a convoy of your friends rather than only you.

_{A photo of @vickoly, @joyman and Dami.}

So it's been going on like that, and today we have @oluwadrey,@sholex94, @harhess and some others who didn't stick around for long. Being part of this circle has been a blessing in my life, and this has been how we've been helping each other all along. The love is unconditional. The guidance, the advice, and the feeling are just second to none. I'm glad to have them because, without them, I know it would have been hard for me to attain some of the height I attained.

Talking about whether my friend will stand by me during bad times or not. I would like to share some experiences I've had in the past and let you be the judge.

• The question of whether my circle of friends will stick by me during this trying time is one that is certain. Over the years, I have had several issues, some so serious that I couldn't even speak to my parents about them. Then I took it to some of my circle of friends, and they have never disappointed. We are all still up and coming, but they still help in every little way that they can. I can't remember my undergraduate days when I couldn't pay my school fees on time. One of my friends, Deborah, to be precise, was the one who gave me the money to pay the fee, and I was able to join my colleagues in writing the exam. Had I not paid that money, I would not have graduated with every other person.

_{A photo of @sholex94 , Deborah, @oluwadrey and @vickoly during our convocation.}

• Another example was a few weeks ago, when my phone got damaged. I couldn't access Hive, and then I spoke with some of my friends, hoping that one of them would lend me their phone or at least help in one way or another before I got the phone fixed. One of my friends, @joyMan, gave me his phone. He knows how much I am addicted to my hive, and he knows the spoil phone will do a lot of damage to the goals I've set. So, he gave me his phone for about 24 hours to write as many articles as I could, put them on schedule, and do whatever I could before I could get my phone fixed. That singular act kept some of the goals I set here alive till date; if not, they would have been crumpled by now.

• Another reason why I said I'm certain my circle of friends will stand by me when times are bad is because I've seen them display this over and over again. I can remember the years 2020 and 2021, when my brother was very ill and going through a series of operations. I spoke with some of my friends, and I can remember @oluwadrey giving me some money to help buy some of the drugs we need to purchase. Then I was seriously broke because I'd lent everything I had to my brother's treatment, but when I called on him, even though he was facing some challenges as well, he still rendered and lent a helping hand.

So with the above-listed experiences, I'm sure you will agree with me that my circle of friends will stand by me during the bad and ugly days, or whatever time it is, because that is what friends do.

This is where I will bring an end to the article about my circle of friends today. I hope you're enjoying the read and learning one lesson after another. The article was inspired by the Hive Learner Community.

**I'm grateful for your time, have a blessed and productive day ahead.