Some people you think are your friends, others you just aren't sure of....
Boss
It's wonderful to have a really cool boss, with whom you can speak to about anything, but your boss is first and foremost your boss before anything else.
Colleagues
Colleagues are harder to understand than your boss. They seem to be on your level. But when push comes to shove, they will have no qualms about throwing you under the bus.
Parents
Some people claim to be friends with their parents. And while it is great to have a comfortable and relaxed relationship with parents, it's also very healthy and important to have boundaries with parents and have your own personal space.
Children
Whilst your are raising your child and telling them how to be a good human, they are not your friend.
Ex-partner
Some people can go on to have healthy friendships with their exes. This is more an exception than the norm. You and your ex can wish each other well and hope each other have a good life and not harbour any ill feelings. But that does not mean they are your friend. It just means they are a good person and you both were able to end the chapter maturely and respectfully.
Clients
Always keep things professional and keep in mind that the relationship you have with your clients is a transactional relationship. If you weren't in the profession you're in, you would not know your client. And if that were the case, your client wouldn't divulge information to you. Never confuse your clients as your friend.
Teacher
If you're at school, and there's a young cool teacher, who graduated a couple of years ago, know that they are not your friend. They are young enough to be able to relate to you but are in a serious profession. They understand importance of boundaries and they know that buddying up with a student would harm their career.
Counsellor
If you are receiving therapy, you are sharing private details of your life that you have probably bottled up for years. You have met someone who is listening to you without judgement. You may find the interaction refreshing and you may feel you have finally met a true friend. You haven't. Your therapist exists to give you counselling sessions and not provide a friendship.
Healthcare professionals
Any healthcare professionals will know you more intimately than anyone in other professions. You may feel relaxed around them and appreciate the way they are helping you. But they are not your friend.
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