Demise of a Friendship

A very sombre title for the new year. And of course, nothing compared to the catastrophic deaths of the victims in the recent Asian tsunami. But I need to voice this again: The fundamentals of respect and integrity in human existence is sadly dead in some people.

My dad could never have been more accurate in his judgement of characters. It has to be due to his advanced age and vast previous experiences. Perhaps the old adage holds truth: Familiarity breeds contempt. I am still awed and appalled by the complexities of human minds and relationships at this very moment.

I tried to invent more excuses for my "ex-pal": Young age? Inexperienced? Culture? Maybe we should give her some leeway. Allow time for her to grow up? She could be ground and honed with more working experiences and social pressures? It was just an acute situational reaction? Or spate of jealous fits? PMS?....Unfortunately I lack the patience and immense generosity. Which was why I could never excel or have been a psychiatrist. I believe subconsciously that a leopard could never change its spots.

Am I having too high an expectation for my friends? My closest ones are those whom I have known for more than 17 years. Our foundations were built on honesty and simplicity. There is no testing or trial required. I have never had to actively sieve my words to cater to their sensitivities because they understand. Even friendships built in the last one year of my life have withstood the test of time.

Should I offer the other side of my cheek to her then?

My new life have been settled and satisfying so far. And I heralded the new year with a promising and auspicious bash of fireworks. Nothing should sway it towards negativity. I would embrace her with open arms if she would ever need me, but for now, it would be the end of any connection or communication, as swiftly as it had started. I should adhere to my principles.

Nothing would however change my love for Sydney and its romance.