Not if, but When

September: On Friendship and ConnectionSeptember 16You are a fragile thing. One betrayal, you can get over that. You can find more in your heart to give to others. Two? Maybe. Three? Well, the more you feel that knife in your back, the less likely you are to let your guard down and trust others in the future, and it can soon become a lonely and paranoid existence. As we said, it’s a very human thing to do. Of course there are exceptions, but we don’t enter into relationships with the intent of betrayal. Self interests, temptations, or self-destructive tendencies, though, can emerge and grow until they can no longer be cut back and strangle the relationship.It happens.If you’ve been betrayed, the best thing you can do is forgive the person who hurt you and move on. Holding onto resentment and anger harms no one but yourself. If you are the one holding the knife, put it down and speak true to the person in front of you. The truth can hurt, but it’s far nobler to stand before someone face to face than to lurk in the shadows waiting for an opportunity to stick the knife into their back.Reflection title: Not if, but WhenCreative inspiration: William Shakespeare, Julius CaesarReflection question: Have I been betrayed in a personal relationship or at work? Have I committed the betrayal? How have I handled it in the past and how will I handle it in the future?