Selfishness in relationships is toxic

The older I get, the more I realize that most people are out for themselves. When my closest friends get in contact with me, they usually begin the conversation by asking how I'm doing, how things are going at work, and so on. But sooner or later a request is thrown in -- whether it's to give them a ride, proofread a cover letter for a job application, or dispense some sort of advice.

Gone are the days when people would actually call you because they were genuinely interested in talking to you -- with no strings attached.

That's why I think I'll appoint my books, pen and paper, and pets to be my closest friends from now till I die. At least they'll always be there no matter what the circumstances.

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