A Good evening to you all. It's my pleasure to be a partaker of the [Ladies of Hive Contest 78](https://peakd.com/hive-124452/@ladiesofhive/ladies-of-hive-community-contest-78). The question I'll be answering is this:

*We have all had a person who has helped us grow. Sometimes that teacher taught us with love, other times learning was a challenge. We want you to tell us about that person who helped you in the evolution of your life, it could be a boss, a friend, an acquaintance, a coworker, etc.*

Before I go further, I'd like to invite @semarekha to join in this week's Challenge. 

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![pexels-photo-207247.jpeg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/deraaa/246b2ctKJPC5io3qu1NXKf95FZvLZfDYEhuXPpdYqgZCeZaQWPyGMF3jW5m2LhCQG9rP5.jpeg)
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<center>[Source](https://www.pexels.com/photo/field-of-plants-207247/)<center/>

Funny enough, the people who were catalysts to my growth were in no way my friends. I did think they were my friends but they taught me the hard way what it means to grow. 

First off, it was always pointing out my faults. At the beginning, it was noteworthy and I began to work towards changing but then it became a frequent thing. 

I had always been insecure about my face. I never saw myself as pretty which was why I never believed anyone when they said I was. I took pleasure in the kind of body I have but my face always had me avoiding the mirror. 

When they'd attacked my character and behavior, I worked towards change. Then they attacked my face. Always pointing out the irregularities which I already had a hard time accepting.

They taught me what it meant to really want something. I didn't like the bad traits I had so I worked towards change. Unfortunately, I couldn't change my face. 

The people I called friends also taught me what true friends are because it's what they aren't. These people made me understand that before you can love someone else you must love yourself or you'd just end up being a doormat. 

They also made me understand that one person loves harder than the other. I'm someone who can give my life for a person I love but sadly, I don't think I have anyone who's willing to do same but that's okay. Love has never been about receiving but giving. 

I also got to understand who I wanted as a friend. Someone like me. A person who'd give me the benefit of the doubt and not join the majority against me. Someone who'd be there for me time and time again. Someone who'd go out of their way to make me smile. Someone who doesn't let one disagreement destroy all we've worked for. That's a friend and that's who I am. 

So the person or people who helped me evolve are the same ones who once destroyed me. But it's true what they say, *what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.* 

### THANKS FOR READING, SAYONARA!