The world has changed dramatically in recent years—and, sadly, not for the better. There was a time when, if someone faced hardship or struggled with a serious problem, help was never far away. People would do their best to lend a hand, whether through financial assistance or simply by offering encouragement, advice, and emotional support. Solidarity was strong, and kindness was given freely, from the heart.
Unfortunately, today’s reality is very different. If you are going through a difficult time, it is often wiser to keep your struggles to yourself rather than share them with everyone around you. Only a small number of people will genuinely understand your pain. Others may not only fail to empathize, but may also use your honesty as material for gossip, speculation, or judgment. Even worse, some people may secretly take pleasure in seeing you defeated and discouraged.
For this reason, be careful about whom you trust and from whom you seek help. Respect is not earned by constantly complaining about life’s difficulties, but by facing them with courage and refusing to give up. When you are successful and well-known, many people will want to stand by your side and call themselves your friends. Yet, the moment life begins to turn against you, you may find yourself abandoned and even humiliated. The very people who once praised you may no longer spare you a single glance.
The hypocrisy often continues when you begin to rise again. Those same people may suddenly reappear, saying, “We always believed in you. It was all just a misunderstanding.” An old Albanian proverb perfectly captures this reality:
“When I had chickens and turkeys, I had friends and companions. When the chickens and turkeys were gone, so were the friends and companions.”
In the end, my dear friend, keep your eyes open. Fight through every challenge and never surrender to life’s hardships. Walk confidently toward your goals, and never allow anyone to see you defeated. By remaining strong, resilient, and determined, you will earn not only success but also the genuine respect and admiration of those who truly matter.
