I have seen firsthand how success can really change relationships. I do remember during my early days as a fashion designer, before I had any recognition I have today, I had a close friend who was always around. We shared struggles together, eating little, walking some long distances, even brainstorming about how to break free from poverty. At that stage, we were brothers in everything we do.
But unfortunately, things started to shift when I began making progress in mine. My designs started gaining those attention due to my descent and unique style of sewing, and some clients began trusting me with bigger jobs. Suddenly, my calls and some messages to him were left unanswered. At first, I thought he was just genuinely busy, but when excuses like “I didn’t see your call” or “I’ll call you back” became a pattern of him, I knew something had changed.
- One day just during my teaching practice, I ran into him in town. I so much waved with excitement, but he acted like I wasn’t even there or like a stranger approaching him. That moment cut deep. I took a moment to asked myself if this was the same person I once shared garri with when life was tough. It obviously felt like my growth became a threat instead of a joy to him.
It truly wasn’t easy navigating that period. I felt so abandoned, more like success had robbed me of a friend. But with time, I came to realized something important, when life elevates you, not everyone will want to stay. Some friends only understand you at one level; the moment you actually move up, they no longer recognizes you.
This taught me more and I made a personal rule: no matter the money I make or the positions I hold tomorrow, I must never lose my true humanity. Success should only humble us, not separate us. Today, I definitely still carry that principle. If you’re facing the pain of friends changing after your growth in life, remember it’s not your fault, it’s life revealing who truly belongs in your circle.