Et tu Brute’?

Such a popular line for betrayal by a friend. Who among us has not experienced that? More or less every one. The person we trusted the most, our confidante, our secret keeper told tales about us. How angry we were, what anguish we suffered. May be we never talked to the other person or may be we were forced to meet them socially but never forgot what they did.

So what do we do? Should we not trust anyone? Should we become so cynical that we don’t share our thoughts with anybody? That is not possible because we are human beings and despite many betrayals by friends, we still make friends and share our feelings.

My mother always said, share your happiness but don’t share your miseries because every time you discuss those, you feel sad and you are making others sad. She said ‘give it time, time is a big healer.’ But what about the secrets that you shared with someone and they went ahead and told everyone? Or that you made fun of someone with a friend and they told tales about you? Or what about the time you exposed your vulnerability and they took advantage of you?

Well, you can cut them off from your circle but sometimes you have common friends and you are bound to bump into each other. You can be equally vicious and start gossiping about them. Or you can confront them and ask for an explanation.

Do you think any of this is going to solve the problem? I don’t think so. In my opinion, take the high road and maintain the stiff upper lip as the British say. Maintain your dignity and show the other person that you are made of stronger stuff. This is the only way to get ahead.

What do you think?