True friends stab you in the front. - Oscar Wilde

The quote "True friends stab you in the front" is a famous, witty paradox often attributed to Oscar Wilde. It is not found in his published works, but it perfectly captures his style and a core idea about the nature of genuine relationships.

In essence, the quote is a clever criticism of superficiality. It suggests that many people prefer to have "friends" who simply agree with them and make them feel good. But Wilde's point is that such relationships are shallow and ultimately worthless. True friendship, he argues, is a more difficult and profound bond, built on a foundation of courageous honesty and a willingness to "stab" one another with the truth.