Bondings

It is always great to meet up with friends, irregardless of the circumstances. Right after the wedding ceremony and dinner, we reminisced about the long-forgotten past. Just thinking about how we used to spend our time, clowning around, playing silly jokes on unsuspecting victims, laughing and fooling around, brought smiles upon our faces. 

Ahhh... Those were the days. Young, innocent. Most of all, fearless. We thought we are the ones who would rule and conquer the world once we graduated from the ivory tower. Hah!

Sadly, our lives drifted apart as soon as we started working. Thrown in the ocean, hurled by the storms, we have sobred up. Nowadays, we don't do 'ridiculous' things like waiting under the rain for a cab, walking ten miles to save on a dollar cab fee, or treading on unknown territory under moonlight, knowing full well we'd be shot if we get caught. 

These days, we are wiser. We think ahead, and consider the consequences of every single action before we execution. In fact, we have mellowed down, weighing our options before selecting them. Constructing invisible decision trees, evaluating every single option, placing values, benefits beneath them, to make our decisions. The days of hurried trudging through the thick jungle are long gone, only to be replaced by wary, cautious footsteps. Taking each day one step at a time. Sipping, instead of gulping. 

And so it is with our relationships as we go through life. While once, we were wholly trusting, friendly people, easily forming bonds and relationships with anybody; today, it is harder. Of course, in every part of our lives, somehow or rather, we thrive on relationships. Some are strong, some weak. Some temporary, some permanent, even after we are placed far, far apart.

What determines the strength of this bonding? Is it the amount of similarities that we share in common? Or were we united in the quest of achieving the very same goal? Or is it simply because we clicked, just like that? We feel absolutely safe and secure in the arms of one another, no security threat, impingement of privacy or  sadness... just a feeling of calm and joy flooding over us whenever we meet. 

Nature often has its own way of teaching us the ways of the world. When typhoon strikes, the biggest, thickest tree trunk will stand tall, even after the winds die down. 

Heavy oil is formed just the same way! As oil forms and floats up into a trap near the surface, it's attacked by bacteria from meteorite water. The lightest ends are consumed, the heavy ends remain. Guess what holds them? You're right! It's the long, complicated benzene rings with strong double bonds, linking them together.

Likewise, forging relationships is just the same. As long as we have ample time to get to know each other, we have the luxury of experiencing joy, triumph, trials and tribulations together. Perhaps, that is why our strongest bonds are often formed when we're in thrown in a camp or a hostel.

As we emerged out of it, we eventually accept each other for who we really are. Deep down, we are only humans. Despite our differing needs, wants, desires, vision and mission, we share a common aim. To have a good life, filled with happiness and joy.

Having seen my friend finally getting married, I'm proud of her, knowing that she has found her true soul-mate, who will be with her through thick and thin. May the Lord keep all marriages strong, and unite couples in their quest for a long lasting companionship.

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"When we're two balloons, and together our direction is up, chances are we've found the right person."

From The Lighted Rooms by Richard Nelson

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