Real Friends

Through the years, it's been fun meeting new people, making new friends and catching up with old ones from all circles: from high school, college, orgs, office. It's been interesting proving time and again how small the world really is, because no matter where I go, I always meet someone I know. Even my fam and friends are keeping tabs already on how many people I'd get to greet in the malls, even in far-flung places... already assuming that I'd really see a familiar face. Officemates even ask about my "chapters", because even in out-of-town conventions, I'd always manage to meet up with friends from that locale, thanks to AIESEC, friendster, multiply, etc.

In retrospect, it's been great having many many friends and acquaintances. Coz I have big barkadas everywhere, different groups, different cliques. Parang social butterfly, kse I can adjust anywhere nman. There's even a brief feeling of fulfillment if I reach my self-imposed quota on number of contacts added in those friendster-esque sites. But then again, when it really matters, when I'm in the middle of some life-changing, earth-shaking moment and I need a friend to call or talk to... I feel so alone. Apparently, I don't have a steady group of friends I can really rely on when it matters, or when I really need a friend. A true friend who can understand what I'm going through. A listening ear and a crying shoulder.

In fairness, I do have real friends naman... but they're not really all from the same group: a couple from St. Paul, one from UP, a few from AIESEC and DAYS, a girl from LRI, etc. All in all, I can maybe fit them all in my mobile's speed dial. Then again, maybe that's all that counts: a handful of real people who can stick with you through thick and thin.. who can celebrate life's momentous occasions with you, and not just party with you when there's free booze... who can be truly concerned on your well-being and ask how you really are, not just for politeness' sake... who can tell you when you're wrong without being cruel or judgmental... who can listen to stories you've told on and on because they understand how important these are to you... who can be there for you at the drop of a hat when you need a hug or company or a drive home, no questions asked. I'm grateful to these people because even if our lives have changed, they're still there for me, time and time again, much as I have also tried my utmost to be there for them.

For you, my dear friends, you know who you are :-) May our friendship still stand the test of time. Thank you thank you thank you.