Why I Changed My Friends?

In late 2013, I changed my friends. the entire set. It sounds simple now, but at that time, it was not. One day, I decided to call it an end. I just stopped visiting them. I believe the reason for it because of the series of failures I suffered at that period.

Let me first tell you the story of my failures during that period. By mid-2012, I realized that Chartered Accountancy and Company Secretary courses are not my cup of tea. I was failing on the exams repeatedly. So I decided to call a quit. I was jobless for a prolonged period. In early 2013, I got a job at a multinational company, but I didn't like the job. So I resigned. During that time, I decided to join advertising as a copywriter. And since then, I’m working as a copywriter.

The reason I mentioned my failures because I believe those failures changed me immensely as a person. Those failures helped me to understand people. I was spending time with friends to drink and smoke. In short, I was doing nothing. I was wasting my time. I’m still at a fix why I spent those times with such people who believe spending time with friends means boozing, smoking, and talking about how to sleep with women. Deep down somewhere, I understood that they don’t share the same worldview as mine. They see life differently. When I stopped visiting them, their behavior changed. They couldn't fathom the fact that I turned my back against them. But I had to take that call. If I hadn’t made that choice at that time, I would have been a lost fellow by now.

Now when I look back, I see them more as time-passers than friends. During my tough times, they didn't uplift my morale; rather they were busy doing their silly little things. I was not finding the impetus to do something meaningful because of that alliance. I believe they are those types of people who are busy proving to each other which one is better or worse. I also found them condescending.

From late 2013 to early 2017, I was without touch with any of them. I still don’t have any touch with any of those pricks. When I go outside, I see them. But that is it; nothing more or less. They also might have realized that I don’t believe in their way of life. If I had continued my friendship with them, I wouldn't have able to become a copywriter. That alienation helped me to think. In mid-2017, I came to realize that I need to have friends with whom I can share my views. After a trial-and-error process, I have found few people with whom now I spend time. They are not the old ones.

I feel I was stuck because of my surroundings. So I changed my surroundings, and I believe it worked. If that hadn’t clicked, you wouldn’t have read this piece. I needed that self-imposed exile. If you mind your surroundings and I believe you will able to fulfill your dreams. I fulfilled my dream to become a copywriter. Now my dreams have changed. If required, I will change my surroundings again.

                                                        (Source: Wikimedia Commons)