"A false friend and a shadow attend only while the sun shines"

A false friend is someone who sticks around only when things are going well, much like a shadow that’s only visible when the sun is shining. But when things get tough, they disappear. This idea hammers home the importance of identifying who your true friends are—those who support you through thick and thin.

Historically, variations of this sentiment have been shared for centuries. It’s not a new concept. Think about ancient proverbs and fables; they often warn us about the fleeting nature of some relationships. This quote is another reminder to be discerning about who we let into our lives and who we trust.

Picture this: you’ve just landed a fantastic job, and you’re feeling on top of the world. Suddenly, you’re surrounded by people who want to congratulate you, buy you drinks, and hang out. But let’s fast forward a bit. Imagine you lose that job unexpectedly. The same people who were so eager to be by your side when everything was rosy are now nowhere to be found. They don’t return your calls, and your invitations to catch up go unanswered. That’s the essence of a false friend—they’re only around when it benefits them.

One concrete example that comes to mind is the story of a friend of mine, let’s call her Sarah. She had a so-called friend, Jenny, who was always around when Sarah was organizing parties or had free concert tickets. Jenny would praise Sarah and act like they were inseparable. But when Sarah went through a rough patch—she was dealing with a tough breakup and some financial issues—Jenny became a ghost. No texts, no calls, no support. It was a harsh lesson for Sarah, but it helped her to see who her real friends were.

So, how do you apply this wisdom? Here’s some advice. Pay attention to how people behave when you’re not on top. Are they still there, offering a listening ear or a helping hand? Or do they vanish when the “sun” stops shining? You should invest your time and energy into relationships that are built on genuine care and mutual respect. Be the kind of friend you want to have—reliable, supportive, and there for the ups and downs.

Imagine you’re at a coffee shop, chatting with an old friend. You share your worries about a big decision you have to make. Your friend listens intently, offers thoughtful advice, and follows up with you a few days later to see how you’re doing. That’s a true friend. Now, picture another scenario where you’re talking to someone who seems distracted and quickly changes the subject to something they’re excited about. They don’t check in afterward. This person might be more like the shadow in the quote.

In essence, the quote serves as a powerful reminder: cherish and nurture the relationships that endure through storms, and be cautious of those that seem to fade away when the sun isn’t shining. We all deserve friends who are there for us no matter what, and we owe it to ourselves to recognize and appreciate those who truly have our backs.