True Friends

I'd like to define friendship and judge my so called friends objectively instead of using my personal standards.  The society, to some extent have laid down a sea of criteria that can help you pick the real ones.  A true friend needs to be honest, loyal, understanding, respectful and thoughtful.  "Bro's before Hoe's," he does not ditch you just to give in to carnal desires.  He/she should not be "fair weathered" and be with you through thick and thin.  Puts you first before their own comfort and happiness.

By these standards, I fail miserably.  I try to live by these criteria and become the true friend my friends need.  I sometimes forget to be patient with my friends, forget their birthdays, force my views and opinions on them.  Then I realized, I'm not perfect.  Neither are my friends.

Instead of pulling my hair (what's left of it) trying to figure out how I can stick to the social constructs, I should just try to keep it real.  Continue to live by the golden rule and treat my friends like how I want to be treated.  Remain to be a positive influence.  I don't set too many rules and expectations and just let the friendship evolve on its own.

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Realizations At 30

Another year has ended for me.  Now I'm 30.  A real grown man.  And there really are signs that I'm starting to feel, think and act my age.

On the eve of my birthday, I decided to go clubbing with my housemates.  I can't even remember the last time I was in that club.  When I was in my early twenty's, I would frequent clubs, getting myself seen, wasted and laid.  One night would not be enough, I'd go to one club on a Friday and a different one on a Saturday.  During that time, I adored loud pulsating beats of house music.  My eyes would beg to see flashes and flickers of beams and lasers.  And I take pride on snatching the nights prized catch.

But last night that place was so alien to me.  I hardly go to clubs now.  My ears are about to explode because of the hard pounding beats.  The laser show was giving a migraine.  A few drinks made me want to throw up.  I had to call it a night rather early because I was so tired.

The clubbing scene and I had our falling apart when I witnessed how it messed up the lives of my ex as well as some of my friends.  I started to think that that lifestyle was a lifestyle of pretensions.  It's troublesome, expensive and harbors drug addiction.  As much as possible I tried to stay away from it.  The charm of seeing people all dolled up and the prospect of meeting possible mates still get the best of me so I still go to clubs every once in a while.

But it wasn't like before.  Moreso when I realized that the digits are starting to sink in, I know I had to give it to the younger generation.  It's time to act my age.  I'd much rather stay home and enjoy a cup of coffee.  Enjoy a good laugh with people who's approval matter to me.

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