Veekee James, a popular celebrity, recently shared a series of surprises she planned for her friend’s birthday. While many people have expressed admiration for her, calling her a “good friend” and “Adefunke is so lucky!”, it’s important to take a moment and reflect on your own friendships. Stand in front of a mirror or open your phone camera and ask yourself two simple questions: “Am I a good friend?” and “Do I deserve the kind of friendship I’m publicly celebrating?” 

It’s easy to admire a beautiful friendship from the outside. We praise loyalty, genuine support and the willingness to show up for someone but how do you treat the people in your circle? 

Are you genuinely happy when your friends win? Do you recommend them when opportunities arise? Do you speak well of them in their absence? Do you protect their names when they’re being discussed negatively? 

Or perhaps you’re the friend who smiles in their face, gossips behind their back, hides opportunities from them and secretly wonders why others are celebrating them? 

Stop that witchcraft behaviour!

Friendships shouldn’t be a competition. Your friend’s progress doesn’t reduce your chances of succeeding and their happiness shouldn’t make you uncomfortable. While no friendship is perfect and we all have flaws, there’s a difference between being an imperfect friend and deliberately being a bad one.

A good friendship requires intention, loyalty, honesty, consideration and a conscious decision to show up for someone even when there’s nothing to gain. 

So, before you say “God when!”, take a moment to reflect on what kind of friend you are.