Befriending Friends

They say that in life one has to choose his/her friends well. Well, in my 20 years of existence, and say, 15 years out of that, I was lucky. Not only did I choose my friends well, but with God’s help of course, I was able to choose them wisely.

I have the greatest sets of friends. All of which reflect my personality, my ideal personality at some point, or a complete opposite of myself even. They make me smile every time I’m down or simply not in the mood. They are there to listen to my zany stories, as I would also listen to theirs. I share with them the high highs and low lows of my life. And I will always be grateful for that.

Realistically though, a smooth sailing trip with friends isn’t always possible. C’mon, there are many instances when I want to choke a friend or pull her hair out. Friends aren’t perfect. Admittedly, they would get on my nerves, as I would on theirs.

Pakikisama. That magic word for friendships. Even if I practically grew up with my friends, or spend every school day with them, or I see them at their worst behavior, I practice pakikisama. I have no problem with this, since I observe the golden rule, “Do unto others what you want other’s to do unto you.” But what if they say a very offending word, without realizing it? Makikisama ka pa ba? Obviously, not.

Wish I’m practicing what I’m preaching. Hanggang saan nga ba ang pakikisama ni Tets?

I am the “Taray Queen” of our batch. But with friends, I am never this persona. I can tolerate even the most obscure behavior. And I cannot understand this side of myself until now. Of course there are limits to this, only if I am really really really really fed up, to the point that I’m on the verge of exploding, would I react negatively. And don’t expect me to be courteous of course.

This I can say for myself. I am a good friend. And one characteristic I’ve acquired while growing up is being observant. Lastly, I have a really good memory. I take each criticism from friends, even hurtful words, or say, unacknowledged misdoings silently. Friends do not easily offend me because I love them. I have the longest patience for each of them. But I always remember each and every single act—good and BAD. If they may take this against me, then go ahead. If this may serve as a warning, then heed my call.

Nakisama ako, nakikisama at makikisama ng walang hinihiling na kapalit. But please don’t abuse your license of friendship with me. Let’s spare each other from future pains of the heart. Please?