"في الواقع، لا أتسكع مع أي من المشاهير. أقرب أصدقائي هم أصدقاء قدامى. وأصدقائي المقربون جدًا، لا يوجد من بينهم ممثلون."

The core idea behind this quote is about valuing genuine friendships over superficial connections. It’s all about keeping the people close who truly know and understand you, rather than those who might only be interested in your fame or success. This speaks to the idea that true friends are the ones who’ve been there through thick and thin, long before any fame or fortune came into play.

Historically or personally, this quote could have come from any well-known person who has experienced the ups and downs of fame. Actors, musicians, and other celebrities often find themselves surrounded by people who are more interested in their public persona than the actual person. It’s not uncommon for these celebrities to cherish their old friends—those who knew them before they were in the spotlight. When you think about it, these old friends are the ones who see beyond the glitz and glamor and know the real you.

Now, let me give you a real-life example. Think about someone like Keanu Reeves. He’s a hugely successful actor, but he’s also known for living a relatively humble life despite his fame. Stories about Keanu often highlight how he still keeps in touch with his childhood friends and avoids the typical Hollywood scene. He’s been seen riding the subway, eating at diners, and generally living an unpretentious life. Keanu values the genuine connections he has with people he’s known for a long time, over the often fleeting and shallow relationships that can come with fame.

If you’re wondering how to apply this to your own life, it’s pretty straightforward. Keep your old friends close. These are the people who’ve seen you at your best and your worst and still love you anyway. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of new connections, especially if they seem glamorous or offer some kind of advantage. But the real test of friendship is time. So, make an effort to maintain those long-standing relationships. Call up an old friend, plan a get-together, or just send a message to let them know you’re thinking of them.

Here’s a relatable scenario to drive the point home. Imagine you’ve just landed your dream job. You’re suddenly surrounded by people who are super interested in you—they want to hang out, they want to be your friend. It’s exciting, and you’re loving the attention. But then imagine, after a few months, you start realizing that these new friends are more interested in what you can do for them than who you are. They expect invites to exclusive events and perks from your job.

Meanwhile, your old friend from college—let’s call her Sarah—still checks in regularly. She doesn’t care about your new job; she just wants to know how you’re doing. She remembers your birthday, she knows your family, and she’s the one you can call in the middle of the night when you’re feeling down. That’s the kind of friend who will stick by you no matter what. That’s your Keanu Reeves moment—realizing that the people who truly matter are the ones who’ve always been there, not the ones who show up when you’re riding high.

So next time you’re tempted to brush off that old friend for a shiny new connection, think of the quote. Remember that real, lasting friendships are built over time and through shared experiences. They’re not dependent on your current status or what you can offer. They’re just about you—plain and simple. And that’s worth more than any fleeting fame or fortune.