Originally Posted by Mentium

Ach - the idea of a sponsor not being a friend is not perhaps what it sounds like. As I understand it, it is best if it is someone who will tell you how they see things straight and without too much sensitivity about 'telling it like it is'. 'Friends' sometimes hold back for fear of hurting one's feelings. Sometimes that simply isn't what is needed.

Relationships between sponsor and the sponsored are often, I am told, very close and pretty intimate.