“I Learned the Hard Way That Not Everyone Who Smiles Is on Your Side Is Your Friend” Makena Reveals
My name is Makena, and I grew up believing in the power of friendship. I always thought that the people who laughed with me, celebrated my successes, and shared my secrets were my allies for life. I was naïve, trusting, and willing to see the good in everyone. I never imagined that this trust could be used against me, leaving me heartbroken and betrayed.
It all began when I started a small business in Nairobi. I had saved for years, working multiple jobs to raise capital, and finally, I had enough to start selling handmade crafts. Excited, I shared my plans with a few colleagues and friends whom I considered close. Among them was someone I trusted deeply—a friend I had known since university. We laughed together, shared meals, and celebrated milestones. I believed that with support from people like her, I could grow my business faster.
At first, everything seemed perfect. My friend offered advice, helped me secure a few clients, and even suggested expanding into new markets. I relied on her guidance completely, believing that she had my best interests at heart. But over time, subtle signs started to appear—she would “forget” to mention important meetings, misplace documents, and occasionally take credit for ideas I had shared in confidence. I dismissed these as accidents, unwilling to believe that someone I trusted could intentionally hurt me.
