Listening

Be yourself.

I wonder to what extend can we do that. Notice that sometimes our emotions and decisions are influenced by daily happenings and people around us? And of course we appreciate our friends who are always around to listen, talk to us, give some advice and help us make certain decisions. But then again there are also certain occasions when we disagree with what our friends told us, or we don't know where they are coming from.

Our advisers might go "I know that it hurts by knowing the truth" or "I know it's painful to know, but I need to tell you...". Or sometimes certain friends are being too straight forward and less tactful, like it's just him/ her being him/ her... Well, it certainly is painful to the ear if not to the heart when you find that friends, instead of understanding you, are being extremely not supportive.

Then come the time when you think to yourself "should I still be myself?" or "shall I just trust myself?"

I think the answer should always be "yes". You see, really, we know ourselves the best. Though we know we are stubborn, but deep down, we are always logical when it comes to critical decisions. Just like you will surely let go of the match when the fire reaches your fingers because you do not want yourself to be hurt.

Besides, advisers sometimes based their advice from what we told them. Especially when it comes to popular topic of men (or women), if our friends have not met this person in question, how would he/ she be able to tell you what's going on or whether you should adapt Plan A or B or C? If you paint a positive picture and feedback on all the potential episodes, of course your friends will say "you go gal!". But whereas when you are being skeptical yourself, or trying not to sound too silly by going through all those little (perceived) sweet moments too much, how would they not tell you that things are not looking good?

As I stand by my theory, I would also like to be a more cheerful character for my friends.

When you are tired of waiting, I'll be there to cheer you on, "just a little bit more", or I'll ask you "is there something else you need to do (is there someone else you want to see)?, if not might as well just hang onto it".

When you are not sure if you are reading the "signs" correctly, I'll tell you to just be positive, so long as we don't loose our dignity, why not just react positively as well?

But when you are tired of crying, heart broken or not able to read any positive signs at all, I'll tell you to just forget about it, and I'll lend you my shoulder if you need one to cry on...