We've all heard it, maybe even muttered it under our breath after a particularly frustrating interaction: "God, protect me from my friends; I can protect myself from my enemies." This saying combines cynicism, dark humor, and relatable truth. But what does this saying really mean? And why does it resonate with so many people across cultures and generations? At its core, the proverb emphasizes the potential for harm, often unintentional, that can come from those closest to us—our friends. This suggests that the danger posed by enemies is often more obvious and predictable. We expect enemies to act against us, to try to undermine us. We are alert, vigilant, and prepared for their attacks. We know where we are. However, our relationship with friends is unique. They operate in our inner circle, privy to our vulnerabilities, our secrets, and our deepest desires. They are the people we trust, the people we rely on. But that very intimacy can make them a source of unexpected an...
Human thoughts out loud