"An untruthful heart cannot sustain itself in darkness forever" - Jasmine Mosley
Narrative
There she was, standing next to the girl she once knew. This girl she called friend had changed. Although she was physically visible, her actions, her words and her heart no longer matched. All of a sudden, a shift took place, and an over flow of hate and coldness overwhelmed their friendship. It was confusing, because until that day, she never saw her friend for what she truly was... a snake.
What is a Snake?
In human context, a snake is someone who mimics the qualities of a friend, but hides their true intent. Snake's normally send their "representative" to the floor. Their hearts are not pure. Just like the reptile, snakes have the ability to move in a way that is calculated and often hidden. Although snakes come in different forms, there are a couple of similarities that remain constant. Every snake slithers, stretches and can launch an attack at any moment.
The Slither
For so many years she spent time sharing her most intimate life experiences. Her friend always seemed supportive. They could stay on the phone for hours and cry on each other's shoulder. It seemed like a normal friendship, but behind the smiles was something much deeper.
The Stretch
She overextended herself whenever and wherever she was needed. At the surface it seemed like the proper duty of a best friend, but at the core was an objective. A plan to camoflogue true feelings.
The Attack
After a solid level of trust had been built, the change came. It came so quickly that it perplexed her and forced the question... "How could my friend change overnight?"
The Answer....
She had been transforming the entire time.
How to identify the snake in your life?
To be used and abused is no joke. It creates a sense of vulnerability that is extremely uncomfortable. Unfortunately, there are people amongst us who have ill will and can mask their darkness with a smile. The best way to combat this type of person, is to take your time while developing friendships and even romantic relationships. Be selective about the titles you assign. If all else fails, "if it doesn't fit, don't force it." If something seems questionable, question it. If it feels fake, it's most likely counterfeit. Trust your gut and keep moving.
Most importantly, be a warrior when it comes to protecting your inner circle. Not everyone deserves a connection to your life. Guard your space unapologetically!
So the next time you find yourself surrounded by a new face, vet, evaluate and identify, before they do the same.