Lifestyle
By: Jessica Thompson
I opened my direct messages one day to find a message from a mom I’ve encountered a few times at school events. It began with, “Hey there, friend!” and quickly transitioned into a pitch about how she could help me achieve optimal health and eliminate my type 1 diabetes. She asked if she could drop off some samples later that day. Let me be clear: unless she’s offering me a new pancreas with installation, I’m not interested.
I can’t help but roll my eyes. Over the past few years, I’ve received countless similar messages, each one promising miraculous solutions to my health challenges from someone with no medical qualifications. Many of these women are jeopardizing their relationships with friends like me, and when they eventually step back from their MLMs, they may find it hard to repair the damage.
It’s not that I oppose women pursuing their ambitions. If one of them finds success in an MLM, gaining financial independence and new friendships, that’s fantastic. However, I don’t want to be her test subject or join her team as an ambassador. My health decisions are best left between me and my healthcare providers.
Recently, in a social media group, a mom shared her regret about getting involved in an MLM. Lured by the promise of substantial earnings, she reached out to every possible contact, promoting her products and their supposed benefits. She realized too late that this choice cost her friendships when she needed support the most. Now, she wonders if it’s possible to restore those connections.
Many women chimed in, some of whom were MLM salespeople themselves, assuring her that she’d be fine. One even suggested that she should consider joining her team instead (insert eye roll). Even in a discussion about the damaging effects of MLMs, someone took the opportunity to pitch a sale to a struggling individual.
When does it stop? Is it feasible to engage in MLMs without exploiting friendships? It’s disheartening to feel as if friends are watching my posts, looking for ways to profit off my health struggles. It creates an environment of distrust, and it feels like a betrayal when someone tries to turn my difficulties into their financial gain. I’m also concerned for those who might take health advice from acquaintances instead of qualified medical professionals, which is genuinely alarming.
As a parent of four, including two children with special needs, I’ve had several so-called friends message me with offers of help. Apparently, essential oils, gummy vitamins, and shakes can resolve ADHD, food allergies, and sensory processing issues. Who knew? I’ve learned to say, “No, thanks,” but some persist despite my clear rejection.
I’ve had people send me articles filled with misleading “facts” from their MLM companies, claiming their products can cure everything from anxiety to chronic illness. Others have insisted that a month of their products would transform my life. Each claim only pushes me further away from both the products and the friend behind them.
I lack the time, energy, or money to invest in questionable health products. If a friend innocently joined an MLM with dreams of financial success, that’s understandable. If she were to come to me, apologize for exploiting our friendship, I would be willing to forgive and move on. We all face desperate moments, and an MLM might seem like a tempting solution, but too many women fail to recognize the harm they inflict on their friendships.
Those who cannot see the damage they’re causing by persistently soliciting friends are missing out on meaningful connections. It’s a pity, but ultimately it’s their loss. The rest of us are merely trying to juggle our lives while fostering relationships with genuine friends who understand our struggles.
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Summary
MLM friendships can often lead to the erosion of genuine relationships, especially when individuals prioritize sales over support. Many women find themselves entangled in these schemes, risking friendships in pursuit of profit. While the allure of financial success can be tempting, it’s crucial to remain aware of the impact on personal connections and the potential harm done when exploiting these bonds for sales.