Is it normal to have so many friends of convenience?

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2 Comments

So, I'm relatively new in my town (a few years), but it didn't take me long to make lots of friends. However, I have seen a common pattern among these people.

I have been working since I'm a teenager, so I am very independent with money, unlike my friends that still depend on their parents. Because of this, I truly do not mind paying some things for my friends every now and then. I also have a car I use to work, so it is not rare for me to give my friends rides. Finally, I'm very good at maths and physics, so I tutor a lot of my friends.

While I enjoy a seemingly respectable level of popularity in my circles, I am kind of wondering if my friendship is merely a convenience for my friends. I notice that people are not that drawn to me if they don't need me for something. I also realized that I know everything about my friends and their issues, but I don't think many of them know or care about my personal problems.

I spoke about this with my parents, and they told me it is normal. Yet, I kind of have a more innocent vision of what it is to have a friend. Either way, do you people think this is normal?

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25% Normal
Based on 12 votes (3 yes)
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Comments ( 2 )
  • Crow
    7 years ago

    This might be normal if you're actively giving time/energy/resources to your friends. People catch wind of this and gravitate towards you for what you're offering and not who you are. If it's really bothering you, you should temporarily withhold from: giving free rides, paying for stuff and free tutoring services. Anyone who still sticks around is probably a less self-centred friend. So starve them out for a bit and start new.

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    • Lifeistooshorttotakeseriously
      7 years ago

      Well said

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