I’m not sure if it comes with age or if some people just understand the importance of having one sooner than others.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get it until later in life. What’s the ‘it?’
The priceless gift of having a Truth Friend.
What’s a Truth Friend?
It’s a wise person who is willing to tell you the truth because they value you even more than the friendship. They are courageous because they’ll risk feeling uncomfortable to protect you. And, they’ll share what others are unwilling or are unable to see.
I believe everyone needs a truth friend to become their best self. And yet, when I ask people if they have a truth friend, most have to stop and really think if they have a friend like this in their life.
Here’s a clue: If you have to stop and think if you have a truth friend, the chances are you don’t.
It’s easy to surround yourself with people who will tell you what you want to hear. And, it’s costly not to have a trusted friend who will risk showing you what you really need to see.
Because I’m fortunate enough to have a truth friend, I’ve identified three reasons I believe everyone needs one:
- A truth friend offers perspective and objectivity. Sometimes you are too close to a situation to view it from another angle. A truth friend is able to take a step back, assess the situation, and provide the clarity that you may not be able to see due to your emotions or your attachment to a specific outcome.
- A truth friend will hold you accountable to specific commitments or actions steps that you determine, in order to attain a goal or achieve a specific milestone. Having an Accountability Partner is key to enhancing your personal and professional growth.
- A truth friend is willing to hold up the mirror, as long as it takes, so you can see the truth for yourself. Far too often, we see what we want to see. And, we hear what we want to hear. The beauty of a truth friend is their willingness to wait patiently until you see the truth.
It’s never too late to find a truth friend. The key is you must desire hearing the truth more than wanting life to fit into your same old box. It’s takes a bold spirit to being willing to hear and see the hard truths that will ultimately make you a better person.
Who is your truth friend?
I am blessed to have at least 2 maybe 3. Wow Susan this is so good.
I feel I am probably 2 or 3 or more others truth friend. I literally just said to another friend that I sat with my friend Jodi less then a week after her husband passed and talked truth with her. Allowed her to tell her truth of her bed being “empty” and her truth of how weird it is to have any thoughts like, going to church without her husband.
A truth friend is SUPER AMAZING and I am full of gratitude to call you 1 of mine ?
Oh Sarah, we ARE beyond BLESSED to call each other TRUTH FRIENDS! Thank you for your insight and accountability!
I like it!!
a truth friend!
Thank you for reading and commenting Laura!
Susan, this is an excellent observation. Some folks could probably do a PhD thesis on this point. I am guessing that if everyone had one of these truth friends we wouldn’t need so many shrinks. Please keep up the good work.
Jim, I am always so encouraged after reading your comments! Thank you for making the time to read and comment on my blog posts. I truly appreciate you!
I’m thankful to God that I can honestly say I have two Truth Friends. Thank you Susan.