About this quote

Loyalty often looks like protection. A close friend will step in when the same people keep causing you trouble, even when you’re ready to ignore it. Ask yourself who in your life refuses to let you be single-handedly blamed or dragged into the same fight again. If you don't have that person, tighten who you trust and practice clear boundaries so you stop taking hits alone.

When to use it

• Work — After my manager tried to pin a missed deadline on me in the review, my teammate spoke up and showed the timeline; I later told them, "Only a true best friend can protect you from your immortal enemies."
• College dorm — When an ex started spreading rumors at a party, my roommate confronted them and refused to let it slide; I hugged her and said that line on the walk home.
• Family holiday — At Thanksgiving my cousin kept bringing up old money fights, and my sister stepped in and shut it down; I leaned over and mouthed the quote to her like a thank-you.
• Sports match — During a tense game an opponent tried to bait me into mistakes, but my teammate stayed close and covered me; afterwards I laughed, "Only a true best friend can protect you from your immortal enemies."