When we were young, most of us had a sense of chivalry, thinking that we could conquer the world with our friends, sharing everything, no boundaries, just like one big happy family. Who knew that as we grew up, the boundaries between people would become more pronounced?

Sometimes it’s not just a personal issue; everyone has their own life, and we can’t share every detail like we used to. More and more people have started to keep their emotions to themselves, maintaining a polite distance.

The weirdest part is that we’ve learned to accept this way of dealing with each other, even feeling relieved because of the distance between us.

In reality, respecting each other’s space is crucial in relationships. We need to respect each other’s habits and boundaries, and that’s the only way to make our relationships last.

This applies to friendships and romance alike.

Some people say that no matter how close you are, don’t lend money to friends. It might seem simple, but it’s a minefield of life experiences. Money can be a test of emotions.

When we don’t talk about money, you and I are best buddies, eating from the same pot, wearing the same clothes.

But as soon as money comes into play, conflicts of interest arise, and our relationships can become super awkward. After all, money represents one’s abilities or social status.

When someone borrows money from you, they might feel inferior. You have the money, they don’t, so you’re in a position of power.

If you lend them money, you’re indirectly elevating your status as a creditor. The equal relationship you once had becomes hard to restore.

If they pay you back promptly, that’s good; but if they can’t, they might feel ashamed and avoid you. You might feel resentful, and if they still can’t pay you back, it might become an obsession.

We can’t deny that money is a “poison” that affects many relationships.

In life, too many love-hate relationships revolve around money. Some people leave their loved ones over money, while others become sworn enemies. It all comes back to the fact that money is closely tied to our lives, even though it’s not omnipotent. We can’t live without it.

When we were young, we’d freely take out money to buy things and share with our friends. As we grow up, we realize that keeping some money aside for ourselves is more practical.

It’s not that people become more selfish as they age; it’s just that we learn to face reality. Not everyone can think alike, and each person has their own struggles.

Lending money can either strengthen a lifelong friendship or become a lifelong burden.

Lending money can reveal the true nature of a relationship.

When Gao Xiaosong was successful, he started a advertising company and made a lot of money. Old Wolf said that Gao Xiaosong took good care of him, often inviting him out to eat and even giving him money. Later, when Gao Xiaosong was in trouble, Old Wolf was the first to lend him money, using a polite excuse: “I’m not in the country for your birthday, so you can buy your own gift.”

It’s only in tough times that you see who your true friends are. Gao Xiaosong once borrowed 150,000 yuan from Pu Shu, who only asked for his account number. When Pu Shu was in trouble, he sent Gao Xiaosong a message saying “return the money,” and Gao Xiaosong didn’t hesitate.

If we could all be as open and honest as that, without being overly polite or deceitful, then even relationships with money involved wouldn’t be so complicated.

In the TV series “I Am Yu Huanshui,” there’s a scene where Yu Huanshui lends his friend Lü Meng 140,000 yuan. Five years go by, and Lü Meng hasn’t thought about paying him back.

When Yu Huanshui asks for his money back to buy a car for his wife, Lü Meng gives excuses and doesn’t intend to pay. He even makes up a story about being in Africa, duping Yu Huanshui.

When Yu Huanshui finally meets Lü Meng, who’s supposed to be in Africa, he’s furious: “You borrowed money from me, and now you’re not even ashamed to cheat me?”

The two friends eventually have a falling out, and their relationship comes to an end.

Lending money tests our relationships, and returning the money tests the borrower’s character. If both are lacking, then the relationship is fragile and might not survive.

Ma Yili was once asked on a variety show: “Do you and your friends keep track of every penny? Do you have to account for every single cent?” In her opinion, friends shouldn’t bother keeping track of every penny, and it’s unnecessary to make things complicated.

However, when borrowing money, you need to be cautious. If someone always asks for money without returning it, it’s best to cut ties.

It’s not about being selfish; it’s about understanding reality. Not everyone can think alike, and each person has their own struggles.

If someone helps you in times of need, you should try to return the favor. But if someone never helps you and always asks for money, it’s best to avoid them.

Of course, it’s essential to have your own principles and bottom line. If someone borrows money from you and doesn’t return it, you need to reassess the relationship.

In the end, it’s about being cautious and knowing who to trust. As the saying goes, “Don’t lend money to others, as it will leave you empty-handed; neither borrow from others, as it will make you forget the value of hard work.”