Friends to foes.

WHEN FRIENDS BECOME OPPONENTS.

On 16th of October, 2021, just after the final whistle in a Serie A match between Lazio and Inter Milan both football clubs in Italy. Lazio had beaten Inter Milan coming from one goal down to win 3 goals to 1. In excitement, Lazio's Felipe Luiz jumped on his old friend and former team mate Joaquin Correa who at that time was playing for Inter Milan. This act resulted in a brawl between players of both teams, and earned Felipe a red card. Surprised and bewildered at the whole scenario and the reaction of his friend, Felipe left the pitch with his eyes laced with tears.

There is an adage in Yoruba Language that says, "Ogún omodé kò lè seré fún ogún odún." which literally means "Twenty children cannot play together for twenty straight years." They would one day be separated by different circumstances and situations, and some will just decide to leave the group, when this happens each of them must realize that it is life trying to have its course with them.

Someone puts succinctly, "Strangers can become best friends just as quickly as best friends become strangers." People come into our lives at different times, for different purposes, we must recognise our friends for who they are, and why they are in our lives. We must realise that we do not have the monopoly of friendship over anyone, and when a friend chooses to exit our life, or when life separates us, we must accept this in good faith and move on with our lives, no matter how valuable we think that friend is.

Care must be given to how we relate with old friends, some may still have our interests at heart, and may still be ready to be of help if the need arises, while some might have become antagonist of our course, they may be ready to hinder us from becoming what we wish and hope to be, and will do whatever they can to make that a reality. Do not be afraid of turning strangers into friends, but be terrified of allying with a friend who has chosen to become an opponent. Know when to draw the line, know when to let go.

Kamikun John, Author 366 days of wisdom.