I once saw a comic that depicted a youth who was punished and had to carry a jade pot from which water flowed endlessly without ever running dry. At his feet sat a large jar, receiving the tilted water but never being able to be filled. This is the origin of the constellation Aquarius in Greek mythology. The pouring and the receiving reminded me of the pot and the Cup.

The pot and the cup are both related to water, both serving as containers, but they differ in that one is for pouring and the other for receiving. While the pot also has a role in containing, it primarily represents the image of continuous giving; the cup, while also used for pouring, is more about receiving and absorbing eagerly.

When placed side by side, we often assume that the pot can hold more than the cup, but if the spout of the pot were made very low, its capacity might not even reach half of the cup's. We also tend to think that the cup is more convenient than the pot, as people typically drink from cups, which seems awkward when using a pot. However, if the cup were as hard and rough as the pot, people might avoid using it for fear of cutting their lips.

Therefore, the roles of the pot and the cup are not defined by their functions but by their names. If humans wished, the pot could serve as a cup and vice versa.

The pot is like Hanfu, with a grand style, standing on its own and always appearing magnanimous!

The cup is like Chuci, with a gentle spirit, naturally elegant and always seeming graceful!

Both being forms of Song poetry, the pot represents the bold and free style, singing like a flowing river, with the great river rushing eastward, its energy reaching the clouds, evoking a sense of exhilaration.

The cup represents the delicate and refined style, with green cardamom and peonies, small bridges over streams, and a subtle fragrance, captivating the heart and soul.

A person can be both the pot and the cup. Those who embody the pot are extroverted, with an outgoing and cheerful nature. They cry when they need to, laugh when they want to, walk with big strides, speak with the force of a bamboo shoot, and act with vigor, this kind of person is simple.

Those who embody the cup are introverted, with a shy nature, a gentle character, and delicate emotions. They are not good at speaking, yet they subtly permeate your life with every detail, this kind of person is genuine.

A friend can also be the pot or the cup. A friend who embodies the pot is of the sharing type. They trust you and are willing to share their joys and sorrows with you, wanting to talk about everything with you. This kind of friend may not necessarily share hardships, but they will loudly proclaim their willingness to stand up for you. When the storm comes, however, they may not necessarily be by your side.

A friend who embodies the cup is of the listening type. Although they do not speak much, they are always your loyal listener. They may cheerfully comfort you, without sweet words, but they will gently take you into their embrace when you cry and silently wipe away your tears. They never say what they will do for you, but when you are in pain, the one standing by your side is them. They may not share your happiness, but they will certainly share your hardships.

If I had to choose, as a person, I would be the pot, for it is simpler and less tiring to live that way. As a friend, I would be the cup.