Short YouTube monologue by communication coach Raele Altano (Well with Raele) explaining three reasons to be selective about calling people "friend": (1) to establish boundaries and define roles, (2) to protect your integrity and reputation, and (3) to expand your vocabulary and use more precise relationship terms. The clip is practical coaching on socializing and clear self-presentation.
Chapters
Wow. Those alternative terms for the word friend really resonated with a lot of you and this is a really valid question, so let's get into it. For reference, I'm well with Rael, your communication coach here to help you socialize and articulate with kindness, class and confidence. So what is there to gain by being more choosy with the title of friend? I have three reasons why. First one being it helps you create some boundaries and define people's roles in your life. Not everyone needs to have the privilege and trust that comes with being a friend or have access to you in the same way. Number two, and this was actually a response in the comments, you protect your integrity and reputation by not calling everyone a friend. A friend is a reflection of you and it's up to you to protect that by not using that term too loosely. And finally, at the very minimum, you gain a stronger vocabulary by using alternative terms and differentiating people. Hope this is helpful and shares a new perspective on this topic.
