Friendship: The Dark Art of Being Friendly (2)

We all need to feel a sense of belonging and love. There is nothing wrong with it and it is only just too natural. The ability to making others feel loved and have a sense of belonging is a good quality trait. However, this quality trait can be exploited to manipulate others. Some people are able to hide their dark motives by showing friendship, not for the other person, but for their own gain. These people tend to be those who seem friendly, but are cliquey. They tend to be popular with their own group of friends who are also very popular and powerful. This is what you would call the 'TC' group at school.

Any group that made of mainly popular and powerful people, whether they are academic, sporty, musical or artistic is a 'TC' group. A 'TC' group is not necessarily a mean, bullying group, at least in appearance, but it is typically somewhat snobby and discriminates the "lesser", beta groups. They are empowered because they have the ability to make others feel comfortable where they are, whether this 'comfort' comes from being willing to submit to the demands of the TC group to act their way or adapt to their way, or from feeling vindicated about what one does. It is to be noted that this is not to say that are all bad.

People who appear friendly may only want to be friendly to gain your affection, and have no regard for your needs. It is important to discern whether someone being friendly to you really means it. To do so, one must look at how they treat others, especially those who are less popular or powerful.