SEE FINISH

When Familiarity Goes Too Far

In Nigeria, there’s a term people use when someone becomes too familiar and starts to take you for granted. This term is “See Finish.” It describes that moment when someone knows you so well that they start to lose respect and forget boundaries. It’s like when you’ve seen everything about a person, and nothing surprises you anymore.

See Finish at Work

Let’s start with the workplace. Imagine you’ve just started a new job. You’re on your best behavior, dressing sharply and arriving early every day. You greet everyone with a smile, and you’re eager to prove yourself. But after a few months, things change. You start coming in late, your desk becomes a mess, and you treat your boss’s requests with a bit of an attitude. What happened? “See Finish” happened. You’ve gotten too comfortable, and the respect you once had for the job has faded.

But it’s not just you. Your colleagues might start to take advantage of you as well. At first, they ask nicely if you can help them with something. But after a while, they start assuming you’ll always help, without even asking politely. They’ve seen your helpful side too many times, and now they’re taking it for granted.

See Finish in Friendships

“See Finish” also shows up in friendships. Think about a new friend you made. In the beginning, you’re both on your best behavior. You go out of your way to be considerate and polite. But as time goes on, things change. Your friend starts coming over unannounced, helping themselves to your fridge, and even borrowing things without asking. They’ve become too comfortable, and they’re now acting like your home is theirs. You might also notice this in the way they talk to you. At first, they were careful with their words, always trying to be kind. But after “See Finish” sets in, they might start making jokes at your expense or dismissing your opinions. They’ve seen everything there is to see about you, and now they’re not as careful with their words or actions.

See Finish in Romantic Relationships

Romantic relationships are another common place for “See Finish” to appear. When you first start dating someone, everything feels new and exciting. You go out of your way to look good, plan fun dates, and keep things interesting. But as the relationship becomes more serious, things start to change. You both get more comfortable, which is natural, but sometimes that comfort leads to taking each other for granted.

Maybe you stop doing the little things that used to make your partner feel special, like surprising them with their favorite treat or planning a fun outing. You might start taking shortcuts, like spending more time on your phone when you’re together, or not putting in as much effort to keep the romance alive. “See Finish” has crept in, and now the relationship feels less special because you’ve become too familiar with each other.

See Finish with Family

Family is often where “See Finish” starts, especially with siblings. Your brothers or sisters have known you your whole life, so they might not always show you the respect you deserve. They burst into your room without knocking, take your stuff without asking, and talk to you like you’re still a little kid. They’ve seen you at your best and worst, and because of that, they sometimes forget that you’re a person who deserves respect.

Parents can also fall into this trap. When you’re a child, they’re more careful with how they treat you. But as you grow up, they might start to see you as an adult who can handle anything, forgetting that you still need their support and kindness. “See Finish” can lead them to treat you more like a roommate than a child they care about.

Avoiding See Finish

So, how do you keep “See Finish” from ruining your relationships? The key is to keep setting boundaries and reminding people of your worth. Just because someone knows you well doesn’t mean they should forget to respect you. It’s important to have conversations about how you want to be treated, whether it’s with friends, family, or at work.

For example, if a friend starts showing up unannounced, politely ask them to call first. If a colleague starts taking advantage of your kindness, let them know that your help is not guaranteed and they should ask nicely. In romantic relationships, keep putting in the effort to surprise and appreciate each other. Small gestures can go a long way in keeping the relationship fresh.

The Bright Side of See Finish

While “See Finish” can be a problem, it also shows that you’ve built strong connections with the people around you. It’s a sign that you’re close enough to be completely yourself with them. Sometimes, you can laugh about the ways “See Finish” shows up in your life. After all, not everyone gets to experience this level of comfort and familiarity with others.

So, the next time someone starts to take you for granted, remember that it’s okay to set some boundaries and remind them of the respect you deserve. But also, appreciate the fact that you’re close enough to someone that they feel comfortable enough to let their guard down around you. “See Finish” is a part of life, and with the right approach, you can keep it from turning your relationships sour.