The champagne's the easy part. I'd argue the real test is the dull middle, when a friend's work still looks like nothing and cheering them on costs you something, usually a bit of envy you have to swallow.

The contrast is telling: applause is public, but the shared memory of the messy middle is what makes the win meaningful. Showing up before the outcome is the real form of belief.

Indeed it is a wonderful thing, especially if you helped or encouraged them in some way.

Shared history is a better filter than shared success. The people who saw the work before the scoreboard changed are usually the ones worth keeping close.

Couldn’t agree more. Rooting for everyone to win. Because it inspires me to also win!

The friends who knew how hard it was usually enjoy the win almost as much as you do.

Seeing that dedication pay off feels amazing, cheers to the grind and the celebration.

How can I compete with you when I want you to win too?

I believe it is a psychological disorder to be anything other than the biggest fans of your friends success.

I agree!!! When we are all celebrating together it's the best!!!

At this point, I get more joy from seeing others win than winning myself.

the champagne hits different when you survived the ramen years together

Seeing the effort behind a friend’s win makes the celebration richer.

I've noticed who stuck around during my own dirt phases versus who showed up once there was something to post about. Recalibrated a few friendships based on that, quietly, no drama, just paid attention.

The right circle makes the long game easier to stay in. Build with people who respect the process, not just the finish line.

So true. It hits different when you’ve seen the grind up close and then get to celebrate the win together.

Being there for the ugly middle is the real friendship test.

Exactly why I was so happy to see you hit your marathon goal (even if a week later than planned). Exhibit A: The Work 👇🏽

The front-row seat is the real privilege. Champagne only proves the work made it through.

Easy to show up for the drinks, Rare to find people who actually answer the phone when everything is on fire

Coaching has made me understand this on a completely different level. I swear I get more excited about my athletes’ wins than my own now.

seen plenty of champagne friends. dirt friends are a much shorter list

And they're the only applause you can trust, because they know exactly what it cost.

I am so introvert and unfortunate all I have is twitter friends and they don't know I consider them a friend lol I love listening to them on spaces

Real ones don't just stay for the dirt, they bring the shovel when you're buried under a bad quarter. That's brotherhood, not networking.

I love watching the boys win!!

Front row seats make wins feel shared.

All of this is only possible when the deep work is done. We have to do the deep work dont we Sahil?

Ive few of them, feel blessed to have them around :)

Debbie was never like this. Jealous of my husband, my money, even copied my cream pantsuit on a river cruise. Her husband passed halfway through the trip and she became very strange. She disappeared a few years later. I did not join the search party or assist the authorities. We weren’t speaking at the time and I felt it would’ve been hypocritical. To this day nobody knows what happened to Debbie. Friendship goes both ways!

But you have to admit that some people simply don't deserve to be your friends. They'll only be jealous of you and try to destroy your beautiful life.

The champagne hits harder when you’ve seen the mud.

Anyone can show up for the champagne, staying through the dirt part is the actual filter for who's real.

and the true friends stay through the grind

friendship is mostly watching the training montage in person

Real friendship isn't just celebrating the result. It's remembering the days when there was no result yet, and staying anyway.