A few words come to mind when I think about plastic people: fake, not genuine, backstabber, fraud, toxic, jealous, hater, hypocrite, and betrayal.
Plastic people always tell you how fantastic and amazing you as a person. They describe how worthless their life would be without you in it while at the same time stabbing you in the back or pushing you over a cliff.
I’m sure everyone has encountered a so-called friend or individual who was deceitful about their opinion towards you. Imagine meeting a person who has two faces, one truthful and one conniving. Confusing right?
I’ve always tried to see the good in someone; however, nothing can ever prepare you for phony friends. They show up like sheep in wolves clothing, but by the time you figure out their ulterior motive, it’s too late. These fake people leave a trail of mistrust and pain like a dark cloud looming over your life. The moment when a friend becomes an enemy can be utterly painful and frankly devastating.
I remember picking out two people from the unemployment line and giving them great-paying jobs, including benefits. I spent countless hours motivating and training them to fit into an unattainable position had it not been for my generosity. I had faith in these two people when I committed to hiring them. This opportunity would provide a better future for themselves and their families.
One day I assigned a task to one of them. As I turned to walk away, I caught him making wisecracks behind my back. The other co-worker joined in laughing. These two had teamed up against me, and I thought how some people could be so ungrateful.
The old saying “keep your friends close and your enemies closer came to mind.”
A few months after I acquired Colt Paper in 2018, I met up with some of my old co-workers for dinner. We were all excited to be reunited, and I was basking in their praises and congratulations. I felt powerful and thought these people were my friends because they were so proud of my achievements, or so I thought.
I found out later that a lady in the group had made it very clear that the former company was never going to support me or purchase anything from my company. Was I surprised, not really? Some people will sit at your table pretending to admire you but poison you the minute you excuse yourself.
“I’m sure everyone has encountered a so-called friend or individual who was deceitful about their opinion towards you. Imagine meeting a person who has two faces, one truthful and one conniving. Confusing right?“
Her comments didn’t matter since the previous company was such a small account it wouldn’t make or break my company; however, I knew having fake friends would destroy my legacy and integrity. That was the hurtful part of her comments.
People who talk behind your back do so for a reason. Remember that they are part of your past and do not carry them into your future. Plastic people are like passing clouds. Once they disappear, the sun shines through your life.
Be cautious about who you trust and call your friends. Not everyone sitting next to you is on your side. These folks may be the same people who are consciously putting roadblocks in your path. They get in the way of your destination and make you lose direction. Press STOP on the plastic people in your life.