My Forever, Never and Whenever People: Reflecting on relationships

Life is a journey where we meet countless people—childhood friends, schoolmates, university peers, and colleagues. Along the way, some of these connections evolve into something deeper, turning into family-like bonds. But as life unfolds, it also exposes the true essence of these bonds, making us question who we should hold close, who we should let go, and who simply exist in passing. Through this journey, I’ve come to recognize three distinct groups of people in my life: my Forever People, my Never People, and my Whenever People:

My Forever People

These are the rare gems. They are not necessarily family by blood, but they are family by choice. They are the ones who stand by you when the world turns its back. They show trust, sincerity, and genuine care, no matter what challenges life throws your way. My Forever People are those who, despite my flaws, my worst moments, or my biggest failures, remain unwavering. They don’t judge, they don’t waver, and they don’t leave—even when the road gets rough. These are the people I would go to any length for, and I know they would do the same for me and my family. "They are my tribe, my constants, my forever".

Never People

Then there are the Never People—those who almost made it to the Forever list but didn’t. They were the ones you trusted, supported, and even went out of your way for. You opened your heart and home to them, stood by them in their darkest hours, and sometimes even gave financial support. But when the tables turned, they revealed their true colors. When the testing times came, these people disappeared. They used you when it suited them and discarded the connection when their circumstances improved. These are the people who taught me the hard truth about "misplaced loyalty".

My Whenever People

Finally, there are the Whenever People. These are the acquaintances, situational friends, or casual connections you make along the way. Some are pleasant, some are neutral, and some might even be challenging. But ultimately, they are just a part of life’s background noise. You don’t rely on them for anything significant, nor do they rely on you. They come and go, and their presence doesn’t deeply impact your journey. These are the people you meet whenever life brings you together, and their role in your life is just as it should be—occasional and natural.

The Lesson

Here’s what I’ve learned:

1. Identify your Forever People. You don’t need to do anything special for them—they’re not going anywhere. Cherish them.
2. Recognize your Never People. Block them. Delete them. Remove them from your life forever.
3. Accept your Whenever People. They are part of the ebb and flow of life—don’t overthink their presence or absence.

Your energy is precious. Invest it in the people who uplift you, inspire you, and stand by you. Reflect on your circle today. Embrace your Forever People, release your Never People, and let your Whenever People simply be.This is your life—choose wisely.