We tend to look at our lives using only one set of rules; our own. What we say, what we do. Our relationships, romantic or otherwise, we observe and evaluate them in what is essentially a one-sided affair. It’s not wrong in any sense. After all, everyone has a different set of beliefs and principles. What we see and feel and experience is entirely up to us to interpret, and if someone enquires our opinion about something, we express it. It is their choice to accept or deny it. So when a situation presents itself, requiring us to look at it from another angle, or from someone else’s eyes, often times we are surprised by what we find. Often times, we are shocked or even humbled, that the things we perceive to be true and irrefutable, is in fact, refutable.

There was this conversation I had several days ago, with a friend of mine in Melaka. I sometimes find myself thinking about the things we did together. I miss her weird mood swings, and her funny way of talking. Even the circumstances in which we met was not an ordinary one. We were part of a bigger clique, and thinking about it now, I never thought I would still be in close contact with her. Sending each other e-mails, offering advice, psyching each other up when we’re about to do big things. I’ve begun to miss her, a fact which I said matter-of-factly to her in our last conversation. Her reply to that was a smiley. Nothing more.

Naturally, this made me curious.

What, don’t tell you don’t miss me?
Well, no. Not exactly.
Kidding.
Nope.

Ah, this was a surprise.

Come on la. I mean, I’m not a stalker or anything, but we haven’t seen each other in like, what? Almost 2 years?
Yeah, I know. But seriously, I don’t feel that way at all. Of course la, we’re not as close as we used to be, what.
Yeah, but just because we’re not close doesn’t I can’t miss you.

I know, I was starting to sound a little pathetic. But, as far I was concerned, we had quite an adventure together. We both did some stupid things, and naturally, doing stupid things together on a regular basis usually makes for a stronger friendship. At least, that’s what I thought.

I know that. See, I miss my parents. I miss my family. They mean the world to me, and I haven’t seen them for so long. Honestly, I don’t miss you as much as you may think. Sorry.
Ah. Hmm. Okay. At least you’re being honest.
Of course, this doesn’t mean I won’t hang out with you when you come to Melaka la. Lepak is a certainty, and so is yum cha.

I could only smile. Honestly, that was not what I expected. But then again, she had always the honest one, saying what she felt, and being blunt in the process. That was part of what attracted me to her. She was just saying something that is true, but is often forgotten by most people. The fact that what we think to be the truth, usually turn out to be otherwise. She might not be subtle in her actions, but she’s honest.

You can’t ask for anymore than that from people, can you?