Friendship: The Secret Weapon of Friendliness (1)

All humans like to be treated with respect and also friendliness. We prefer to people be friendly to us, and only if people are friendly to us will we consider that person a friend. However, friendliness can be used as a tool to manipulate others. There are a wide and varied range of ways in which people can manipulate others. Manipulating others involves using others for one's own gain whether it be for one's security, comfort, material gain, or even good repute. Only by forming a friendship with another can one use that person for one's good. Many people form friendships with others for this reason. Friendliness is the mere outward appearance of a friend. Whether one can be considered a friend is a different matter. I question whether there is a such thing as a true friend. This may sound very skeptical or cynical, but it is a question that one must ask. This is because we all need to form relationships with others. 

Friendliness, however, is the first step to forming a friendship with another. Whether it is genuine, or out of hypocrisy or pride, needs to be examined. Friendliness is a character trait which can be exploited to win the trust of others, and use them for one's benefit.