The most reliable friend is often your former most terrifying enemy, while a formidable opponent can often become your most intimate confidant. Only those qualified to be your rivals are qualified to be your close friends, for only they truly understand you.
Is life not essentially a grand stage? Who is not acting in some way? The only question is how you choose to perform. Do you wish to play a tragedy or a comedy? Do you want the applause of others, or do you want to be pelted with rotten tomatoes?
When the need to lie arises, try to remain silent; when lying is unavoidable, try not to hurt the other party.
Life is inherently cold and indifferent, so why should you expect so much from it?
Everyone has their own way of living, and there is no need to replicate someone else's life. Some people appear glamorous on the surface but shed many tears in private; others seem destitute but actually live freely and happily. There is no standard answer to happiness, and there is more than one path to joy. Withdraw your envious gaze from others and turn inward to reflect on your own heart. The days you love are the best days, and the way you choose to live is the best way to live.