The Great Tupac Shakur once said, “Haters don’t really hate you. In fact, they hate themselves because you’re a reflection of what they wish to be.” These haters can be someone you thought you were close to and just knew that your bond was tight. Don’t ever think you’re alone, though. People deal with fakeness 24/7. It’s something that happens in this thing called life.

During your high school years, and maybe even college, you experience a lot of mental and physical changes. From changes in body and shape, to changes in your emotions and personality. Sometimes it can affect the people around you, and this is where fake friends a.k.a. “Snakes” fall into. The definition of real is pretty simple..the complete opposite of fake. “Snakes” come in all shapes and sizes. It can be your “friend,” significant other, and even a family member. You may not know now, but what’s done in the dark will always come to light. The people you hang around can either make you or break you. Surround yourself with positive energy.

“Haters will broadcast your failures, but whisper your success.” — Tupac.

Now if you smell something fishy going on, whether you think someone is acting funny or telling lies, don’t always trust your guts that it is. In my opinion, a real friend would communicate with their friend on what’s going on because like Tupac said, “Real Eyes Realize Real Lies.” Now if that friend that you’re trying to talk with avoids you or gets mad, then something wrong is going on and that’s just that. If you got something going on for yourself, you shouldn’t have time to deal with the drama. I’m not saying you shouldn’t give second chances, but if you do be careful.

Here’s what really bothers me, when you’re finally fed up with someone and you tell them how it is, they act shocked or ask “Why you mad?” when they know that it’s because of their actions. Then they start to play the victim and get “confused” about your personality. Once again like Tupac said, “Don’t get confused between my personality and my attitude. My personality is who I am. My attitude depends on who you are.” There are millions of things I can name that your “friends” or “family” will do to you. You just have to stay prayed up and keep God first regardless. Proverbs 26:23-25 “Smooth words may hide a wicked heart, just as a pretty glaze covers a clay pot.” This means that people may cover their true feelings about you with kind words, but deep down inside the hate is real. Personally, I strongly believe the best solution is to always turn and pray to God. I did. I told God to protect me from my enemies, then I started losing “friends”. Keep your guard up and stay true to yourself, but remember to always forgive. Colossians 3:13 “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”