Sep. 11, 2011

    Friends are one of the greatest treasures in our life. No matter where we go, we never stop making new friends and contacting old friends. But the standard of establishing and keeping friendship varies from person to person. Some think that different economic backgrounds play an important role; others hold that friendship never bases itself on money. As I see it, financial disparity is not a barrier to friendship.
  To begin with, unlike marriage, in which husband and wife share the total income, friends live on their own finances. Despite the fact that friends hang out from time to time eating in a restaurant or watching a film, they can find a place suitable for both economic situations, which won't hinder their emotional communications. It is very likely that equal or similar financial conditions enable people to understand one another's lifestyle better, yet this does not count much for lasting their relationship, as friends lead a self-reliant life.
  Moreover, just as the saying goes, a friend in need is a friend indeed. Friendship based on interest can not withstand the trial of money. True friends are those who share same interests and have common principles, and those who support each other on the way and give a hand when the others are trapped in troubled waters. Accordingly, the value of friendship can never be weighed by wealth; money cannot win a pal's sincere heart. There may be an increasing economic gap between two persons, nevertheless the spiritual commonalties can draw them together.
  Additionally, for intimate friends, friendship does not mean how much they have been or will be financially devoted to each other but rather how often they are thinking of one another even if they are miles away. I have been in touch with my middle school friends, feeling that the distance does not cause the flower of friendship to wither; it is still blossoming. With most of them I only meet once a year, however, their warm and familiar faces can always make a dark day bright, bringing me back to the good old days. Personally, as long as friends are willing to bear the hearts to each other and stay in constant touch, friendship can be lingering regardless of economic status.
  In conclusion, real friendship cannot be affected by financial disparity. It is a kind of mental wealth, which can not be measured and maintained by money.