Last week I received a message from a college friend, whom I haven’t heard or seen in so long. I was excited to see that he got in touch with me, as I read the message I couldn’t believe what I was reading.

Here is what the message read:

“This be the realest shit I ever wrote. I have been carrying this on my shoulder for a minute now. I can’t lie, I was very bitter towards you. The reason why, is because i felt like you abandoned me. I just remember the times where we would be on the bus heading to school and just talking about our dreams.  It was all so simple then; but then you got a job in your field, you were closer to your dream. I was very happy for you because I felt that If you made it we all made it. That’s the way I see things anyway. i took our friendship very seriously. Whatever I could do for you, I would. As time went on, I noticed that we lost touch. Seeing you on facebook, I can’t lie, I felt jealous because you have a job in an industry that I’ve dreamed about my whole life. I used to blame you for not looking out but I have a new perspective on life and I realize that it’s not your duty to bring me along with you; I gotta do it for me before anybody else will. I just had to get it off my chest and you gotta respect it because it’s so honest. thank you for taking the time to read this and basically I’m just sending you a sincere apology. I am sorry “

When I read this message I was baffled, I couldn’t believe that this is how he felt all along. In my eyes we lost touch after school and that was that. It wasn’t as if he tried to get in touch with me and I didn’t reply. We just stopped talking, I figured our paths just went different ways. Then I read that he was bitter towards me, REALLY ??!!! I didn’t know any of this, I didn’t know that so much responsibility was on me when I landed a job in my field. I didn’ t know his expectations was for me to hold his hand through it. I worked hard to get to where I am. Not saying that I wouldn’t help him if he asked, but he NEVER asked. I have learned very early in pursuit of my dreams that no one can walk you to your dream, many opportunities will come, people can help you. However, it is ultimately on you to reach your destination. You cannot put your whole future in someone else’s hands, as well not telling them even that you expect them to get you to where you want to go. I am still confused at this message, I don’t feel that I did anything wrong. While I valued my friendship with him, I am a bit hurt to see that all it was really about in the end was me taking him with me, as he thinks I have “made it” . What he doesn’t know is everyday I fight for more. I go out and seek opportunities for myself but making a way.

Have you ever been in a situation with someone who expected you to lead them to their goals?