Ego is me opposed to you. The only way to befriend ego is to become perceived by ego as part of it, because, by definition, ego is always self-serving. And always mean – always taking; and if giving then giving to take. This is why Buddha recommends compassion – it is the one thing the ego cannot truthfully do. But ego will always deceive. Ego can easily pretend compassion in order to receive admiration and approbation – from others and from itself (pride).