Can you tell the difference? Which do you prefer?

I remember reading a chapter of teenage psychology whereby it describes the kind of tendency of a teenager to prefer the company of friends or companions who gives them a sense of belonging and indulge in similar activities that might or might not be detrimental to their mental growth. Well, i guess this happens to everyone of us when we used to hate mum's nagging, BUT, as we become more matured, this feeling starts to evolve into a tint of appreciation as we know that it is ultimately for our own good.

Linking to this simple scenario, have you ever pondered over whether people around you are doing things for your own good OR with ulterior motives? I guess under most circumstances, we usually prefer to hang around people who makes us feel good about ourselves, for example, people who might have some liking for you, and you start indulging yourselves in praises like "oh you are so cool", "i like the way you talk!", "you look so fit in that singlet!", "ur eyes are so mesmerizing", and this is especially appealing to those who are damn egoistic. BUT, back to the basics, are they really sincere?

And now, think about what an old friend would tell you instead, no flowery words or any ego booster, but a simple advice of "I think you really need to lose some weight" or "you better rest more cos ur face looks terrible!" We tend to feel uneasy over such comments and someone who is simply superficial would start having a ultra black face. Are you showing signs of maturity?

Don't you think that it is really sad if you constantly requires praises or recognition to maintain your balanced ego, it reflects signs of insecurity and lack of self-confidence, though you seems to have self confidence in front of others. And you end up indulging yourself around insincere people whom might be interested in you, listening to lies after lies, even your fart smells like heaven!

Ask yourself this question, will that person treat you in this way as long as you live? Or does all these lies disappear after he realise that he is not interested in you anymore? And then you move on to the next person who is able to do the same. Someone whom have a crush on you will tolerate anything that you do, and protrays a forever "I dun mind" impression, but alas, once the crush is gone, you are just a piece of shit to him. And this is the time when you start to appreciate your close friends who have been tolerating you for the past ten years, who keep nagging at you endlessly hoping that you will wake up someday.

I feel that maturity does not come naturally, dun assume that it will come as you grow older, it doesn't. As we aged, I guess it is essential to keep track of the level of maturity every now and then, and really take note of things that we ought to learn at different stages in life. It's good to look younger than your actual age, but if your mentality is not on par as your age, it is honestly pathetic, and worrying too. And yes, it is this maturity that urges you to see the difference between sincere and insincere companions around you. Conduct some filtering and you will realise that life can be more fulfilling and even more exciting.

How about this? Give yourself an hour, go through your hp list, think about things they have done for you all these while, send a sms "I'm glad to have you as a friend!" to those whom you really think are worthy sincere friends. For those whom you think are getting close to you for ulterior motives, please move on, let them continue their dream in the world of deception, insincerity, unworthiness, and of course, immaturity. Be glad that you made the first step out, and your life will be much more fulfilling from now onwards. :P