Have you ever noticed they only talk to you when you do something important

[Tintypographer]

I've noticed that anytime I've had a big success in life with accolades or an award then people come out of the woodwork to associate with me or be an acquaintance. When times are calm or quiet and there isn't a tangible benefit to other people you get crickets. Whether on social media or at gatherings or just in a grocery store; you are only worth something to other people if you have a benefit to being their associate. I've tried before just reaching out to old friends and crickets chirp. But if I have a big award or success or deal close then suddenly there are dozens of friend requests or lunch options.

It's as though society is completely set up to define your worth by whether or not "you can benefit me right now". I feel like people and relationships are a commodity and just like the stock market or a bond, you're only valuable for what you bring. What makes me feel bad about this is that I think people like this. They actually enjoy "creating their brand" and "self marketing". When you dislike that ideal you're worthless.

That's how I feel and it's another reason I want to catch the bus.

 

[Kumachan]

Crickets chirp haha i like that expression:) deafening cricket chirp)

 

[4eyebiped]

You are talking about associates and opportunists. It doesn't sound like these people are your friends and shouldn't be labeled as such without causing more self grief. Friends are a dime a dozen, but true friends are very rare, to the extent that sometimes you are lucky if you manage to get one in a lifetime. It is important to understand the different levels they come in and their rarity. Trying times is what quickly exposes the fake ones and cause them to scatter like roaches. You will also noticed, not exclusively, the further up the ladder you go the more you find these opportunists than friends. Their silvered tongues know just what to say to mislead you.

Yes, we are commodities to each other but we are a different type of commodities to each other. For some you are valuable resource for direct or indirect economic and/or status gain and for the rare few you are valuable in being part of what brings them joy. Ah, if the latter wasn't so hard to find in life. It is why I have only a couple of friends. I have learned to see the fakes, label them appropriately and keep my distance when possible.