Guess Who: The Loyal Friend You’ve Been Taking for Granted

That one friend— the one who’s been with you your entire life. You know the kind of friend I’m talking about. The one who would stand in front of a puddle to take the splash from a speeding car so you wouldn’t get soaked. The one who quietly shields you from harm, even when you barely notice. They don’t ask for much in return. They’re just... there, loyal and steady.

Now, imagine that friend. What have you done for them lately? I’m not saying you’ve treated them terribly. You probably haven’t stood them up or badmouthed them. But if you’re honest, have you really been there for them the way they’ve been there for you?

Here’s the twist: that friend isn’t someone else. It’s your body.

Think about it—your body is the ultimate ride-or-die companion. It wakes up with you every morning, carries you through the day, and works tirelessly behind the scenes to keep you alive. It’s the one that heals your wounds, keeps your heart beating, and fights off those colds you swear you don’t have time for. And when life gets tough, it’s the one taking the hits—absorbing your stress, sleepless nights, skipped meals, or overindulgences.

But how often do you really stop to appreciate it? Sure, you might feed it when it’s hungry or give it the occasional rest, but do you treat it with the love and care it truly deserves? Or are you like the friend who always takes but rarely gives back?

Here’s the truth: your body has been your greatest protector, even when you’ve ignored its signals or pushed it too hard. That headache it gave you? It wasn’t trying to ruin your day—it was waving a little flag saying, “Hey, slow down.” That ache in your back? Just a gentle reminder that maybe sitting hunched over your laptop for hours isn’t the best idea. Your body isn’t just there for you; it’s actively looking out for you, every second of every day.

So, maybe it’s time to turn things around. Maybe it’s time to be the kind of friend to your body that it’s been to you. That doesn’t mean grand gestures or expensive spa days—though those are nice. It means listening. Listening when it says it’s tired and needs rest. Listening when it says it’s hungry, not for chips but something nourishing. It means moving it not as punishment but as a celebration of what it can do. And sometimes, it just means saying, “Thank you. I see you.”

Here’s the thing: we only get one body. There’s no backup plan, no spare waiting in the wings. If we don’t care for it, who will? So let’s make a pact to treat it like the loyal friend it is. Because when we take the time to honour our body, it’s amazing how much more it gives back—energy, strength, resilience, and, most importantly, the ability to truly enjoy life.

Next time you’re tempted to push through that extra hour of work when you’re running on fumes or to skip a meal because you’re “too busy,” remember your friend. They’ve been there for you through thick and thin. Maybe it’s time to return the favour.