In a recent LinkedIn post, Leonardo Freixas explores the nuanced nature of support and the importance of discerning genuine allies from those who merely react to success. Freixas uses the metaphor of a “win” to illustrate how different people respond to an individual’s achievements, highlighting that not all outward displays of enthusiasm equate to true backing.
The Double-Edged Sword of Success
Freixas begins by posing a provocative observation about how people react to a shared victory: “Not everyone who claps for you is in your corner.” This statement sets the stage for a deeper examination of motivations behind public reactions. The author points out that while some individuals may offer genuine congratulations, others might exhibit an almost performative excitement that doesn’t stem from shared joy or support for the individual.
“Winning exposes something. Some people smile. Some people nod. And some people lose it.”
According to Freixas, this “losing it” – a heightened, almost over-the-top reaction – can sometimes be a sign that the observer’s excitement is not rooted in the winner’s personal journey. The author suggests that these individuals might react more intensely than the person who achieved the success itself, precisely because the win is not new or significant to them in the same personal way.
Defining Real Friendship and Support
The core of Freixas’s message centers on the definition of true friendship and support in the context of personal or professional triumphs. The post differentiates between those who offer superficial applause and those who are genuinely invested in another’s success. Freixas argues that authentic support means that the “win stops being yours” in the sense that the supporter feels a profound, personal connection to it.
“The win is yours. But they react like it isn’t. Because for them, it isn’t new.”
This distinction is crucial, as Freixas emphasizes the scarcity of such genuine connections. The ideal scenario, as described by the author, involves having “just a few” individuals who are so genuinely happy for your success that they “can’t contain it.” This implies a deep-seated, unfeigned joy that transcends mere politeness or social obligation.
The Value of a Select Few
Freixas concludes by underscoring the immense value of these few true allies. In a world where public recognition can often be fleeting or insincere, identifying and cherishing those who offer unwavering and authentic support becomes paramount. The post serves as a reminder to evaluate the nature of our relationships and to recognize that the loudest cheers don’t always come from the most supportive sources.
“Real friendship is when your win stops being yours. You don’t need many. Just a few who can’t contain it.”
By dissecting the varied reactions to success, Leonardo Freixas encourages a more critical and appreciative approach to the support networks we cultivate, emphasizing quality over quantity in the realm of genuine camaraderie.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Leonardo Freixas on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on July 1, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →