Writers 
Imagine growing up with someone who knows almost everything about you.
You struggled together. You shared your dreams. You encouraged each other when things were difficult. When one person had ₦1,000, you could both find a way to manage it.
Then, years later, your friend becomes successful.
They start a thriving business, get a well-paying job or suddenly become financially comfortable. Their lifestyle changes completely.
You are still struggling financially.
You approach your friend and ask for help.
But this time, the answer is:
“I can't help you.”
Would you still consider that person your true friend?
This question sounds simple, but it is more complicated than it appears.
Does Friendship Mean Financial Support?
Some people believe that true friends should always help one another, especially when one person has the ability to help.
From this perspective, if your friend becomes wealthy and completely ignores you despite knowing that you are genuinely struggling, you may feel disappointed.
You might ask:
“If you could help me, why wouldn't you?”
After all, friendship is often associated with loyalty, support and being there for each other during difficult moments.
But there is another side to the argument.
Being someone's friend does not automatically make you financially responsible for them.
A wealthy person may have their own financial commitments, family responsibilities, investments and personal goals.
They may also have experienced situations where people approached them only because of their money.
Therefore, refusing to give someone money does not necessarily mean that the person is a bad friend.
What If They Stop Helping but Still Care?
There is an important difference between not giving someone money and abandoning them completely.
Your friend may refuse to give you ₦500,000 but still help you look for a job.
They may introduce you to potential clients.
They may teach you a skill.
They may recommend you for an opportunity.
They may give you advice or simply be emotionally present when you need someone to talk to.
These are also forms of support.
Sometimes, the best help a person can receive is not money but an opportunity to become independent.
But What If Their Success Changes Their Attitude?
This is where the situation becomes different.
Imagine your friend becomes wealthy and suddenly begins looking down on you.
They stop answering your calls.
They avoid you because you are no longer "on their level."
They begin treating you as though your financial situation makes you less valuable.
That is not simply about money anymore.
It is about respect.
A person's financial situation should not determine whether they deserve basic dignity and friendship.
True friendship should not require both people to have the same amount of money.
One friend may be wealthy while the other is struggling. Their circumstances may be different, but mutual respect can still exist.
Don't Turn Friendship Into Entitlement
At the same time, struggling financially does not give someone the right to demand their friend's money.
There is a difference between asking for help and feeling entitled to help.
If your friend says no, you may be disappointed, but you should also respect their decision.
Friendship should not become a situation where one person constantly expects financial assistance from the other.
A healthy friendship should allow both people to have boundaries.
What Really Makes Someone a True Friend?
Perhaps the better question is not:
“Does my friend give me money?”
Instead, ask:
“Does my friend respect me?”
“Can I trust them?”
“Are they genuinely happy when I succeed?”
“Do they support me when they reasonably can?”
“Can we communicate honestly?”
“Do they value our friendship beyond money?”
Money can change people's circumstances, but it should not be the only measure of friendship.
A true friend may not always be able to give you what you want. But genuine friendship should involve honesty, respect, loyalty, care and mutual understanding.
Sometimes, your friend may be wealthy while you are struggling.
Instead of asking only, “Why aren't they giving me money?”, you could also ask:
“What can I learn from their success?”
And the wealthy friend should also remember where they came from and avoid treating struggling friends with contempt.
The Real Test
Friendship is often tested not only when someone is poor, but also when someone becomes successful.
Can you genuinely celebrate your friend's success without jealousy?
Can your friend remain humble after becoming successful?
Can both of you maintain respect despite the difference in your financial circumstances?
Perhaps that is where the real test of friendship lies.
Your friend's wealth does not automatically become your wealth. But their success should not automatically make you a stranger either.
Now let's hear your opinion.
If your best friend became very wealthy but stopped giving you money, while still respecting you, communicating with you and supporting you in other ways:
Would you still consider them a true friend?
Or do you believe a true friend should financially help a friend whenever they have the means to do so?
Tell us what you think in the comments.
