Relationship trivials...

Amongst friends, I am usually the one who calls, extend invitation, suggesting a meet and get together.....I find it hard to spend a day without connecting with other human beings, especially those who I find reciprocating my feelings towards them.
Often, when I called a friend, his or her first response is, "Oh ...hai....I was just thinking about you".
I often chuckled when I hear that, and my reply normally is, ".....yes, but I am the one who call...".

I do have many friends, both male and female, and a couple of the in-between. I tend to stay longer as friends and get closer to those who understand me - and accept me for who I am. But that is like saying I drink because I am thirsty - so obvious, isn't it. For example, when I noticed that a few so called friends did not even bother to wish me for my fiftieth birthday - and I went "Ermmmm....Naper ek?? ". At the same time, I do have long lost friends who have been silent for years suddenly surprised me with text messages or emails remembering that special day in my life. And I went smiling and it made me feel good!
Among other things, to me friendship is about making others feel good, appreciated and remembered. In a world of dogs eat dogs, we can do with a few true friends.

I have a few friends from childhood with whom nothing can come in between. Our relationship have stood the test of time and the test of dimes.
A few friendships nurtured along the life journey have also turned into special bonding and understanding. These are friendships not based on 'benefits'. These are friendship so special that we can start taking each other for granted, and nothing would matter.

At this phase of my life, I tend to reach out more and more to the same friends who have accepted gracefully, have given sincerely, have spoken truthfully, and have shared both moments of sorrows and joys.

My marriage to LiL is founded on friendship first, and love second. We were very close friends before we were lovers. She knew all of my faults, and I was her classic example of a man she did not wish to marry. Thus we were friends.....very good friends because she did not have to put a show for me and I for her. We were ourselves....She even tried to stitch me up with one of her best friends!
Now, I have been asked, "Tell me, how come LiL is so tolerant of your crazy behaviour?"
The answer is in friendship. None of my bahaviour come as a surprise anymore - she has seen all of the signs and traits before she fell in love. She accepted me for who I am. Our love is the love of a true friend who sees the need to support during moments of weakness and a love based on trust that no matter what, till death do us part. We take that part of our relationship for granted! Just like I took her arrival to Dubai this morning for granted.....and at 4am today she did!