Lesson #6 Sometimes, you must go the extra mile

Recently I've been in an emotional turmoil due to the loss of a very precious friendship. Long story short, I confessed to her, things got awkward, I started to feel ignored, and while discussing things between us I made an irrational move. I judged her and she was extremely pissed with it. I've done all I can to bring the friendship back, and I've gone all out in everything I do. Its not working.

Anyway, I was just reminiscing of the past moments I had with her as friends, way back when before this drama happened. There was one time when she shared her social problems with me, and the very next day she seemed to be really down and upset. I knew it had something to do with what she shared with me, but I feigned ignorance and asked her what was wrong anyway. She was really quiet and unresponsive, so I decided it was best to leave her alone and go have lunch with my friends instead.

Something happened and I made a quick trip back soon after, only to find her crying with another friend beside her. Apparently, that friend kept questioning her and she just couldn't hold the tears in any longer.

What I should have done was to have just dragged her to Baskin Robbins or something to cheer her up, instead of hoping she'd work it out herself. I didn't need hear from her exactly what was making her upset, because I already knew partially. And even if I didn't, it would still have been a good idea to cheer her up and make her feel comfortable before making attempts to make her talk.

Lesson:

1. Be flexible. If one approach is just not working, its time to use a different approach instead.

2. Be persistent. Giving up too easily only shows that you don't care enough to put in more effort. The ice cannot be broken with only one poke from the fork.

3. But don't be TOO persistent. If you know its not gonna work, don't push it. Know your limits.

4. Be fun. When you try to cheer people up, its gotta be something cheerful!

5. Don't be afraid of how others may see you. So what if they know you like her? That's nothing to be ashamed of at all. Action speaks louder than words, so just do what you think is best in that particular situation, and don't worry about being teased. The outcome will be well worth the setback, and the setback may not really even be much of a setback anyway.

6. When I am down, I cope by surrounding myself with friends. I share my life stories, and I have fun with them, and in the process I form a closer bond with them. This may be applicable to some friends. Sometimes, all they need is for us to be there for them, in spirit and soul.

7. If you think someone is worth going the extra mile for, then don't hesitate in going that extra mile.