"If you don't put money upfront, you don't get anything; there is no friendship": Cuban in the U.S. laments the situation on the island.

The Cuban Ivey (@i.am.ivey) has shared on TikTok a reflection on how reality in Cuba has changed so much that one can no longer rely solely on friendships to solve problems. In his video, which has generated several comments, Ivey recounts a conversation he had with his father, who lives in Cuba and asked for help to resolve the lack of gas in his house due to the constant blackouts.

Ivey suggested to his dad to offer some gift to the person who helps him refill the gas cylinder, but his father, with a mindset from another era, believed it was unnecessary since he has a friendship that always "takes care of it." To this, Ivey replied that times have changed: "There are no real friendships anymore. If you don’t put money up front, they won’t help you with anything," referring to the fact that the crisis has made everything revolve around money, even among friends. He also explained that the money he sends from abroad should be used for these situations because people can no longer live only on favors.

The comments on his post were swift, with many users sharing similar experiences. Some wrote: "Just like that, but the gentleman also needs it; yesterday I bought for my mom for 5 thousand"; another commented: "The one who solves your gas also needs it, that's the truth, because in Cuba no one can live on a salary"; and someone else added: "Even the doctors have to be paid, otherwise nothing at all." In general, the reactions echoed the reality that Ivey presents: the widespread need has affected even the closest relationships due to the lack of resources.

Many users also lamented the situation on the island, saying things like "Unfortunately, the same misery has caused humility, good feelings, everything, to be lost" and "The shortage takes everything away." Others shared details about how expensive gas is in different provinces of Cuba, mentioning figures ranging from 3,200 to 14,000 pesos for a refill.

The video by Ivey has generated many reactions, reflecting the feelings of Cubans both inside and outside the island, all dealing with a reality in which, according to the creator, "if you don't enter with money, they won't solve anything for you."