Anecdotes about making friends (2)
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A bond like glue and lacquer—unbreakable and extremely close: Chen Chong and Lei Yi shared a profound friendship; they were as inseparable as glue and lacquer, sharing both honors and hardships without any distinction between them. People all sigh: though glue and adhesive are strong, they cannot compare to the deep bond between two people.
A friendship based on sincerity – keeping promises and honoring commitments: Fan Pi and his friend agreed to meet for a meal thousands of miles apart, and he showed up on time, fulfilling their agreement. Keeping one’s word and valuing integrity are the most fundamental principles in making friends.
Guan Ning severed ties with his friend—when one’s paths diverge, there can be no further association: upon seeing that his close friend was obsessed with material possessions and shared no common interests or ideals, Guan Ning immediately broke off the friendship. If one’s values and aspirations don’t align, there’s no need to force a compromise; if one belongs to different circles, there’s no need to try to fit in by force.
Oath of the Peach Garden – Loyalty and righteousness endure through the ages; unity and cooperation prevail: Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei took an oath in the Peach Garden. They did not wish to be born on the same day, but they vowed to die on the same day. Share blessings together, face difficulties together; loyalty and integrity shall endure through the ages.
Apologizing humbly – admitting one’s mistakes and being forgiving: Lian Po realized his errors, stripped himself bare, carried thorns on his back, and went to apologize in person； Lin Xiangru was magnanimous and able to let go easily. In friendships, only by being willing to admit mistakes and showing tolerance can a relationship last long.
In the same boat – facing storms together, standing by each other in times of hardship: When confronted with adversity and turmoil, everyone rows the same boat, uniting their efforts to overcome difficulties. It’s easy to be together in good times; true loyalty is shown only in difficult times.
Helping in times of need – offering assistance in adversity; true kindness is precious: when people are in low spirits or trapped in difficult situations, there are those who willingly extend a helping hand. Compared to adding luxury on top of prosperity, it is the help given in times of crisis that is truly invaluable.
Adding icing on the cake – superficial acquaintanceships, false enthusiasm: when others are successful and celebrated, everyone rushes to flatter them； Once the glory fades and one falls into despair, those around them scatter in droves; all of it is superficial pretense.
Be sincere – treat others with honesty and without any concealment: open one’s heart when interacting with others, be genuine, avoid deception or trickery, and use sincerity to earn genuine reciprocation.
Loyalty and sincerity – being honest and upright, sharing both honors and hardships: one should be open and fair in character, and loyal and sincere towards others. They’re open and honest with each other; they share both joys and hardships, never plotting behind each other’s backs or betraying one another in secret.
Be open and honest – interact in sincerity without any hidden motives; be frank and truthful when getting along with others, without hiding one’s true feelings or calculating gains and losses. Interact openly and honestly; it’s easy and stress-free to be together.