Daily Dilemma / Friends and Friendships 1

DAILY DILEMMA
HOUSE SITTING

Kenny sat at his desk when the new troop came in. He introduced himself and showed him around the office. Casey seemed like a likeable guy. Casey and Kenny hit it off. They talked about golf, archery, and other guy things. They had much in common. Kenny invited Casey over for dinner several times over the coming months and he integrated nicely with Kenny’s family.

One year of consistent friendship under their belt, Kenny decided to ask Casey a favor. “Hey man, I’m taking my wife and kids to New York for Christmas, can you house sit for us?” Casey immediately accepted, and said he would be delighted help him out, after all Kenny has given him in the last year. Casey really wanted to give back to Kenny and his wife.

Two weeks later Casey was at the airport on time to pick up Kenny, his wife and kids from their trip. Casey and Kenny chatted all the way home. When Kenny’s wife stepped into her home she could not believe her eyes. The house was in such disarray. There were dishes piled to the ceiling, trash from an obvious party, and what appeared to be a vomit stain on the carpet.

Kenny and his wife were so disappointed they didn’t even know what to say to Casey. They just told him they would speak with him in the morning. As Kenny’s wife sat down the jet lag kicked in and she cried for the next hour. Kenny didn’t know what to say to console her. As for Casey, Kenny was not looking forward to work or ever talking with Casey again.

Analysis: This friendship between Kenny and Casey was one that had all the ingredients of a long lasting relationship. Everyone had a lot in common, talked about everything, eat and drank together. The friendship was tested by asking Casey to take care of the most prized possession, Kenny’s house. Casey blew any chance of trust in this relationship over one mistake, and will miss out on continued growth of this relationship with Kenny and his family.

When we develop close relationships is it wise to put so much trust and high expectations on others? Can this relationship ever be repaired? If so, what would have to happen? Who needs to make the first move? Friendship is a joy in life, but it takes work and when the trust has been broken does it mean it’s over forever?

Disclaimer: All Scenarios are fiction