"دوستی واقعی گیاهی است با رشد کند، و باید متحمل و مقاوم در برابر ضربه‌های سختی‌ها شود، پیش از آنکه حق استفاده از این نام را به دست آورد."

Friendship is like a delicate plant that needs time and care to grow strong. Let's break it down. The idea here is that true friendship—one that you can really rely on—doesn't just happen overnight. It builds slowly, and it has to go through tough times to really prove itself.

Back in the 18th century, George Washington made this observation. He lived during revolutionary times, and his experiences with loyalty and betrayal likely shaped this view. After all, leading a fledgling nation through war and political upheaval meant he saw many relationships tested to their limits.

Think about it: imagine you’ve got a best friend you met in college. Over the years, you’ve seen each other through breakups, job losses, and maybe even the death of a loved one. Remember that time you lent them money when their car broke down, and they returned the favor by helping you move into your new apartment—even though it was on the fifth floor with no elevator? Each of those moments is like watering the plant of your friendship. It grows a little more with every shared hardship.

So, how do we apply this wisdom in our own lives? First, don’t rush friendships. Let them develop naturally. Spend quality time with people, and don't be afraid to be vulnerable. Share your highs and lows, and see who sticks around during the lows. That’s how you’ll know who's in it for the long haul.

Here's a relatable scenario: imagine you're at work, and you’ve got a colleague who’s always friendly, but you’ve never hung out outside the office. One day, you’re swamped with a project deadline, and they offer to stay late and help, even though they’ve got plans. You accept their help, and while you're working together, you find out you have a lot in common. Over time, you start hanging out more—grabbing coffee, going to events. Then, you hit a rough patch. Maybe you mess up a big presentation, and you’re feeling down. They’re the one who brings you lunch and listens to you vent. That’s adversity right there, and your friendship grows stronger because of it.

True friendship is tested through adversity. It’s easy to be friends when things are going well, but it’s the tough times that show who’s really got your back. So, next time you’re going through something hard, pay attention to who’s there for you. And be that friend for others. When times get tough, don’t shy away. Step up, offer support, and you’ll find that those friendships grow deeper and more meaningful.

In the end, think of friendship like a slow-growing plant. It needs time, care, and resilience. Don’t be discouraged if it takes a while to find those true friends. When you do, all the patience and effort will be worth it. Remember, the best friendships are the ones that can withstand any storm.