FRIENDS Help Friends
In the spirit of the season…
It’s hard to understand why "friends" don’t help each other—even when they have opportunities to do so. If you have a date and that person’s not for you, think if you know someone else who may be more suitable. If you know someone looking for work, and have others they can talk to, tell them.
Even your "best friends" (who usually owe you the most) are likely to be the ones handicapping your greatest dreams and goals. Very often they have the links and connections you need, but are reluctant to share them. Sometimes, they make innocent oversights—just don’t think creatively or altruistically enough. Other times, they ignore your needs intentionally, whether you’ve voiced them or not.
Realistically, how long does a quick phone call or e-mail take to make an arrangement for someone else—pass on a name or number. What’s the worst thing that could happen? There isn’t a fit between the parties you bring together. What’s the best thing that could happen? You might put someone else on the road to happiness and success. Many believe "no good deed goes unpunished" and prefer to abstain because of this. However, should they need support, what would they do? Who would they approach?
Torah, from over 2000 years ago (Pirkei Avot 1:14), records Hillel’s famous questions: "If I’m not for myself, who is for me? And when I’m for myself only, what am I? And if not now, when?" True friends should want to help each other in any way they can (providing it’s legal). Acquaintances turn into friends when they take initiative—make special efforts on others’ behalfs, no prompts necessary.
