"繁荣不是衡量朋友的标准；逆境才是称量朋友的尺度。"

It’s funny how life’s toughest moments can reveal who’s really in your corner. The basic idea here is that you can’t truly measure the value of your friendships when everything is going well. It's only when you're struggling that you see who actually sticks around.

Let’s step back in time for a second. Think about the age-old stories and fables. This idea isn’t new. Even in ancient times, people understood that fair-weather friends — those who are only around when things are good — aren’t friends at all. In contrast, those who support you in times of hardship are your real friends. It’s a concept that’s been echoed through history.

Now, picture this: imagine you just lost your job. It’s a tough blow, right? Your world feels like it’s crumbling. You call up a friend to talk about it, and they immediately offer to help you update your resume. They even point you towards some job openings they’ve heard about. Another friend, meanwhile, seems too busy to chat and disappears from your life. When things were good, you had fun together. But now? Not so much. In this scenario, adversity acts as a balance, weighing and revealing the true nature of your friendships.

So, how can we use this wisdom? First, pay attention to who’s there for you during your low points. It’s easy to get caught up in the fun and ignore the signs, but real friends show up when you need them most. Secondly, try to be that kind of friend yourself. Next time you notice someone you care about struggling, don’t shy away. Step up and offer a hand, an ear, or even just a bit of your time.

Think about Jane. She’s the kind of person who always seems to be there for everyone. One day, she goes through a tough break-up and feels utterly lost. She’s always been the life of the party, but now she can barely get out of bed. She reaches out to two friends. One, Sarah, comes over with ice cream and a bunch of silly movies. They talk, cry, and laugh together. The other friend, Tom, who Jane thought was pretty tight with her, says he’s too busy. He doesn’t even check in later. Through this experience, Jane sees clearly who her real friend is.

In the end, it’s about awareness and action. We have to notice who’s there for us and be grateful for them. Simultaneously, we need to strive to be the sort of friends who balance the scales, showing up not just to share in prosperity, but to help shoulder the burdens of adversity. So next time you’re having a hard time, don’t just focus on the struggle. Look around and see who’s standing by your side. Those are your real friends. And make sure you’re standing by theirs, too.

That’s the heart of the message: true friendships are tested and proven not in the sunshine of good times, but in the storms of hardship.