Spending time, or as I like to call it "bonding time," is one of the most wonderful actions you can partake in with one another. Spending time requires a few obvious things like time, effort, occasionally money, smiles and laughter, or just being there for a friend in need. Even though you may have to spend some money or actually put some effort into the friendship, Spending time is offered, and received. It's not forced, or required. No guilt trips involved, no sob stories. Just friends/family getting together and having a great time, enjoying each other's company. Pretty simple and self-explanatory right?
Renting time is what people TRICK OR MISLEAD you into doing when there's a hidden agenda in play. They aren't spending time because they like you, they're spending time because they want to get something out of the deal. Unfortunately, most people that you end up RENTING time from are your very own FAMILY and FRIENDS. Renting time usually consists of the potential for the other party to gain things like money, food, movies, the use of a cell phone, a ride home, popularity, etc. You know the ones I'm talking about. They're off and on "clingy" status, Never have money when it matters, Always looking for a hand out, or as they call it "a new hustle," most things they say are lies or don't make any sense at all. Some are so severe with it, they NEVER come around without wanting something from you. They don't ever want to be around you until you're able to give them whatever it is that they're seeking. I've even witnessed someone that once they get the initial "YES" answer, they continue on to see what all they can get "this time." Has anything like that ever happened to YOU? Like when a friend or family member asks you if you want to stop and get something to eat, and when you do, they "suddenly" discover that they've "forgotten their wallet or purse," and that happens to them often. You've got to keep an eye on these illegitimate hustlers or else they'll suck you dry for everything they can get from you. Example: I'm taking the bus home from school and my bus doesn't come for maybe twenty minutes. It's burning up outside, but I'm not complaining, just waiting. An ex-acquaintance of mine pulls up by me and says, "Hey! It's too hot for you to be out here waiting on the bus. Let me give you a ride home." Initially I refuse it because I don't really need the ride and I don't mind waiting. But my ex-acquaintance insists I allow her to give me a ride home so I say okay and thanked her. As soon as I got into the car and clicked my seat belt do you know what she says to me? She says "I hope you've got gas money for me!" ???? I'm like what the @#$%! First off, I'm thinking here were my options at the time: a dollar to take the bus home, or several dollars for this bozo to take me home. I glance at the gas tank and it's on E. Immediately I wanted to just open up the car door, roll my body right on out, and tell her to go find another sucker. I mean, how was she, nay ANYONE going to OFFER to take someone home when the tank was on E anyway? I'll tell you why. She needed gas in her car so she played nice and portrayed the "good friend" for about 90 seconds until she lured me into her trap. And the funny/sad thing about that was it's happened to me plenty of times before. It just took me that one final time to realize the game that was being played. I'm certain something like that has happened to tons of people. I have two TIPS for you: 1. NEVER LET YOUR GUARD DOWN when it comes to insignificant MOOCHERS... EVER. People will try to get over on whoever gives them the opportunity. 2. When you offer something to someone, don't expect something in return because there's quite a difference between offering a good or service, and loaning a good or service (next blog topic?). TAKE A CLOSER LOOK: Do you SPEND time WITH people Or do you RENT time FROM people? ....PREMIER.
