Be Careful Whom You Trust . . .

Many of us have heard the saying, "Beware of what you ask for, because you just might get it." One has to be aware of what one accepts and also what one shares. Just because a person expresses that he or she is a friend and can be trusted isn't always the case.

We need to ask ourselves, what is this person's intention for being here in the first place? It is easy to get caught in a trap of thinking that person is there because he's your friend who wants to help, when really that may not be the case at all. Once you accept his offer, he now has something to hold over your head. In the vast majority of cases, an ulterior motive is involved. While it is not always bad to proceed in such a situation, it is necessary to understand what that motive is and whether it is acceptable to you.

The same principle applies to the information you share with others: it can be used against you. The more another knows about you, the more vulnerable you are to that person if that person develops any reason to turn on you.

So it is best never to share your finances and personal issues with just anyone. Most everyone has a special someone with whom to share such things. Trust that person, and do not forget also to take the same form of interest in him or her. If you have no such person, or you need more help than what that person can offer, then consider a professional, a person paid to take interest and to keep your information in confidence. That could be a minister, a counselor, or psychologist.

As the Proverb says, "Whoever guards his mouth and tongue Keeps his soul from troubles." Just remember to give it some thought before you accept or share. It never hurts to ask questions.