Dear Aachi buddy!!

What a straight & simple post. I feel like extending a hand to you.

It just reminds me of how I feel like doing anything for a friend just as my friends make themselves available for me any time. Give me their support when I need it. Sometimes even without asking. Such selflessness.

Creates sheer respect inside for all of them. And also a feeling that I should never take them for granted or hurt them in some way.

Have felt the same about ALL the people on this Blog bus too.

A BIG Hug to You and Everyone here :-).

And I wish from the bottom of my heart that may none of you ever stand to loose a friend under any situation. They are all that one can earn in one's life. So go ahead, take that extra step to to be there for a friend when he needs it. Try to bring him back if you feel he/she's going away. Make that call & try to stay in touch.

Love all,
Surya :-)

dear Aachi,

nice post!!!!

friends are valuable ..they play major part in making our lives better..

Hi there pal

Just to say I'm on the run now and will get back to read your post and comment later. Have great day.

Dearest Buddy

Only a big, bear hug will do. Your post is like you, whole, pure and like spring rain. True especially when you begin to think that the age/time of making new friends is really over someone like you comes into my life. Unexpected, a blessed mind and an effervescent heart. You have been a joyful find dear friend.

Thank You for being you!

Dear Aachi Pal

Its always a joy to read your posts. What a lovely tribute to friendship. It's true that friends can make your soul soar with their unconditional love and support and friends like you are hard to find dear Aachi. We cherish your friendship.

Lots of love

Dear Aachi,

Friends ..... a topic very close to my heart :-)

And when I say 'friends' or 'friendship', I dont just mean friends but the essence of friendship in any relationship, could be with your brother, sister, mother, father, partner, boss and colleagues (:-))

I believe its the foundation of any relationship that gives it the lasting quality.

I value my friends and never hesitate to let them know that! A friend is someone that you can be silent with, talk with, cry with, laugh with, fight with, sing with, or even do nothing with .... they are simply a treasure!

"But isnt it true....we can go to wonderful worlds in pursuit of fulfillment of friendship. There is no ego...no complaints. Just a pure selfless drive."

I know exactly what you mean Aachi. It is selfless and yet selfish as doing something for your friends, ends up bringing you joy! :-)

I thank all of you here on this blog for being a friend. I cherish each and every one of you. Thank you Aachi for writing this wonderful piece :-)

Love to all
Shubhosree/Shubhz

Aachi did you get that cavity filled finally ;)

Could really relate to what you have said. I have a bunch of friends who I have been very close to for years. They are all older to me but age has never been a problem in our friendship. I know that anytime I can turn to them without feeling even the slightest of hesitation.

No No I HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN YOU GUYS ON THE BLOG! You are a differnt set of friends all together with whom I can share/argue a whole array of issues and problems.

There are a couple of other friends that I have and forgot to mention them in my last comment - One, Myself (I enjoy every bit of that relationship) and two, God. And because I believe in 'Aham Brahmasmi', the two become one!

Its a special feeling :-)

Hi everybody,

Aachi, a beautiful post.
Shubz what does 'Aham Brahmasmi' mean?

Dear Sahaya,

Hey there!

'Aham Brahmasmi' means 'I am Brahma'. Its all about realising that You and God are one :-)

Dear Guys thought I'd share this beautiful poem on friendship for all the pals here

Love is like the wild rose-briar,
Friendship like the holly-tree --
The holly is dark when the rose-briar blooms
But which will bloom most contantly?
The wild-rose briar is sweet in the spring,
Its summer blossoms scent the air;
Yet wait till winter comes again
And who wil call the wild-briar fair?
Then scorn the silly rose-wreath now
And deck thee with the holly's sheen,
That when December blights thy brow
He may still leave thy garland green.
Emily Bronte

Dearest Aachi was sitting here staring at my computer when I felt that you had painted Ganga. So I went to visit your site again and there she was! Thank you for that most beautiful painting. Then noticed that you had added much more to your galleries. Am going over them slowly but just my first impression "WOW".

For those of you who dont know Aachi is also a most accomplished and creative artist. You can see his work on aachimithin.com

lots of love

one of the most beautiful relationships
so nice of you to write such a beautiful piece

Dearest Aachi,

You know I was so apprehensive, the minute I read the article my eyes quickly went to the list of names, hoping "has he included my name too." yes it is there.. yippeee it's such a wonderful feeling to know that I have you as a friend.... and as I read thru your each article I feel I am sharing a laugh, a tear or a an amazing experience with a friend far away, yet just across my monitor...

:-)

big hug for you .... if it wasn't for this blog where would I have made such gr8 friends who think like me, feel like me and can almost read my mind without uttering a word... yes it's true, shubz has already done it and so many others have done it thru their similar opinions..

and just in the evening when I was coming back home after seeing off a friend I was pondering over the deep bonding of friendship, the love in friendship which actually transcends sexual physical barriers....

and lo and behold, dear aachi had already read my mind and written all about it.... ki karan praji, every time I feel strongly about something and make a mind of sharing it with you, aap log to mere mooh ki baat chheen lete ho... ya fir yun kahen, ki apni antennae se meri thought waves ko pakar lete ho.... :-)

koi peechhle janam ka rishta zaroor hai, hai na?

WUV YOU ALL

Dear Surya, Preethi, Venkat,

Thanks a lot.:)

Dear Jasjit,

a bear hug from me too. :)

Dear Shubosree,

lots of love to you...

Dear Anusheh,

thanks for a lovely poem. You are right, the birth of ganga is one of my fav arts...and also the first to be picked up by collectors. another is the descent of ganga...a huge hug to you.

Dear Chaitali,

I will have an appointment only if the relationship happens for my friend...if not....it will be another dentist and another bridal seeing ceremony and return of the cavity :)

Dear Sahaya, Dhruv,

thanks a lot.

Dear Sangeeta,

iski koi doubt hi nahin hain... hum sab pehley bhi miley hain. :)

( I hope I am not sounding like Shah Rukh in Karan Arjun!):)

Dear Aachi,

Thanks for a beautiful share, a wonderful reminder of the deep bond that connects so many, and is cherished by all..

To all friends who share this space - love, light and laughter always...

For all of you, Shakespeare's sonnet... a favourite:

Muse
Sonnet No.30

When to the sessions of sweet silent thought
I summon up remembrance of things past,
I sigh the lack of many a thing I sought,
And with old woes new wail my dear times' waste:
Then can I drown an eye (unus'd to flow),
For precious friends hid in death's dateless night,
And weep afresh love's long-since cancell'd woe,
And moan the expense of many a vanish'd sight.
Then can I grieve at grievances foregone ,
And heavily from woe to woe tell o'er
The sad account of fore-bemoaned moan,
Which I new pay as if not paid before.
But if the while I think on thee, dear friend,
All losses are restor'd, and sorrows end.

The last two lines deserve special attention... all of you on the blog bus... being here, all losses are restored, all sorrows end...

Good Morning All
Hi Sukanya, Sangeeta, Aachi Surya, Prasun, Ifsha team & Dhruv.

Great post pal. You are so right about friends. Its the best part of life. Last year a friend from childhood tracked me down after 20 years. We were together in Jamshedpur as kids & then my family moved. He used some amazing networks and landed at my door. Have to say it was one of the 'aha' moments of life.

To share a 'dosti ki aisi ki taisi moment' I too ended up doubling up as my friend's brother on one of those meet the 'bride' deals. Well she decided to only talk to me which was unnerving enough and then her mom sends a message that the girl wants to marry 'the elder brother'- i.e me!!!
And my bum chum has the gall to suggest in that case he would step out and let 'the best man win' I could have killed him coz I had to go across and explain the mess. I drew the line pal that day! I mean I have never forgotten the girl's face when I said it was just a big mistake.

Hi Aachi & All

You have a golden heart Aachi and the post is warm like you. Though I always feel that men treat and value friendships very differently than women. I guess my question should be to the women on this blog. Don't you think somehow men's friendships last longer, are less complex and valued more by them in a sense?

Oh and one more question and this one is for the guys. Someone recently said that he can never go back to just being friends with someone he had been emotionally or sexually involved with once. And he insisted that was true for all men. I wonder why that is so?

Have a nice day all!

Hey all! Good Morning everyone!

:-)

Hey all, just felt like sharing the theme song of my favourite TV show - FRIENDS - the words though simple, are beautiful ....

--------------------------------------

"I'll Be There For You"

So no one told you life was
going to be this way.

Your job's a joke, you're broke,
you're love life's DOA.

It's like you're always stuck in second gear

Well, it hasn't been your day, your week, your month, or even your year.

But, I'll be there for you,
when the rain starts to pour.
I'll be there for you,
like I've been there before.
I'll be there for you,
cause you're there for me too.

You're still in bed at ten,
your work began at eight.
You've burned your breakfast, so far,
things are going great.

Your mother warned you there'd be days like these

But she didn't tell you when the world was brought you down to your knees.

I'll be there for you,
when the rain starts to pour.
I'll be there for you,
like I've been there before.
I'll be there for you,
cause you're there for me too.

(and here is my favourite part)

No one could ever know me,
no one could ever see me.
Seems like you're the only one
who knows what it's like to be me.
Someone to face the day with,
make it through all the mess with,
Someone I'll always laugh with,
even at my worst, I'm best with you.

--------------------------------------

Have a great day everyone! :-)

Hi Radhika,

Let's see... I would think men's friendship last longer for the very reason that it does not involve as much of the emotional sharing as does women's freindship. The definition for friendship is different for men and women. For men it's sitting together and boozing, playing cricket (or some other group activity), slapping each others back, discussing sports, politics, economy etc. For a woman friendship is being able to share more personal issues. And when it comes to personal issues, trust, ego come into play which need very delicate handling. That is why Radhika ( my take )men often say that they can't get back to being friends with someone they have had an emotinoal and sexual relationship.

About valuing friendship.. I think both men and women value friendship. It's a very starnge thing though... my male friends share there emotions more with me than with their male friends.

Dear Radhika,

Interesting questions!

When I read your first question, I began thinking about all the male friends I have known. And in my view, its not that frienships last longer with men or that they are valued more by them. It is valued by both men and women. However, it is true that men are 'easier' to deal with at times. Reasons - well they are much simpler by nature, straight-forward, they dont brood or pile up grudges within etc. In other words, men are not unnecessarily emotional about things. But every story has two sides. There are times when a girl wants someone to hear her out or just be a shoulder to cry on and then its usually a girl that comes to her rescue as men feel a little uncomfortable in such situations. I have a friend (male) who tells me how he began jumping up and down when one of his friends (female) started howling over something. So both men and women have their positives and negatives as friends. One cant be called better than the other. I dont think its fair to compare the two.

As the saying goes ....

"There is no perfect person. You can make them perfect by loving them."

So I feel that nothing can be made a rule. I know guys who are extremely sensitive and emotional. And there are women who are not as complicated as they are expected to be! I wouldnt compartmentalise friendship in that sense.

Dear Chaitali,

I feel that men do have the emotions as the base of friendship. Its just that they have different ways of expressing it which may seem 'unemotional'. just my take :-)

Yes Shubhosree men too are emotional and sensitive and many a times one finds men trying to hide these from their male friends fearing that they will be ridiculed for it.

On second thoughts Radhika I think even a woman will not be able to get back being friends with someone who they had emotional and sexual relationship if it involved breaking of trust.

Yep, I totally agree with you Chaitali - it can be difficult for both men and women to get back to being friends once been in an emotional and intimate space. And the key factor being breaking of trust and also sometimes its the ego that plays a huge role. The whole concept of being 'dumped' can ruin your self esteem and then hard for the person to be friends again. And that is why it results in anger and revenge in some cases.

Shubhz and Chaitali have to jump into this debate:)But these are just random thoughts I'm sharing actually.

Well when men are emotional we know them as 'gay' men because masculinity unfortunately defines itself in a way which is unaccepting of emotions. However having said that there is something I believe known as the "new man" emerging within masculinity. He is caring, sensitive, nurturing and in touch with his feminine side. I think that over the years men have become far more expressive emotionally even amongst themselves. Perhaps this is more applicable to the men who live in metros but I've noticed recently that men hug men quite frequently now,whereas it wasn't really a manly thing to do even until a couple of years ago.

Women just emote in entirely different ways. They have a larger world of emotion available to them and they function in it with an ease which perhaps men just arent used to. Frankly I dont think men need to be like women, the difference can be quite refreshing.

As far as being able to be friends with previous lovers. I agree one cant really generalise on this one. Really depends on the circumstances the break up happened under.

Dear Venkat,

I doubled with laughter when I read through ur adventure. :)

Dear Sukanya,

lovely share.

Hi Clan :-)

Sorry for going missing again.

Hi Jasjit, Aachi, Sukanya (Great share from Shakespeare)!! Some nice comments in here. Makes for a great read friends.

Nowhere better to start than on a post dedicated to the best relationship. One that's the basis of everything. So right Shubhosree :-)

Dear Radhika, Shubhosree, Chaitali, Anusheh:

Liked that debate that seem to involve:
"men can never go back to just being friends with someone he had been emotionally or sexually involved with once".

Felt like sharing my bit with my friends :-)

This may not hold for all men. In fact I'm sure this may not hold for all women either. Basically, don't agree with the generality here but I do see the other 'general' sides too - level of sharing, emotions, etc.

Haven't been in many relationships, but when things didn't work out, I wasn't filled with anger nor did I feel dumped. Yes I was sad & quite thinking of the 'why's for a while. But soon I was open to being friends with them and try to keep in touch with them to let them know I'm there if they need someone to share a moment or two.

I think its because in both the cases (;-)), the foundation (friendship) was much stronger than the layer on top (love).

I've grown (I guess ;-)) to believe that for every relationship one should just 'Be there' if one can do that selflessly.

And if I (spontaneously) feel like 'being there' for someone then I will be 'there' COMPLETELY - as Committed, sincerely & faithfully as I can be. And that of course holds true for my male & female friends alike though in different ways - majorly depends on the depth of the relation I have with each one of them. Some feel like sharing more with me, while others don't. And I seem to reciprocate in some automatic way in most cases - can't really say how.

The other side: I have had some beautiful relationships & great friends who have just been there all thru with me. Telling me right from wrong, their opinions, argued with me, kept me on my toes, inspiring me to grow/love/share more, teaching me in subtle/strong ways the truths of life, been my guru's too, ... basically showed to me so many colors of life.

That's a reason enough to love this relationsip - this friendship & my friends who've blessed me with it.

I've also learnt that its a friend who can 'see thru you' as well as 'see you thru' - in your moments of joy and sorrow.

Missed you all yaar :-)

Hey Anusheh, that was a nice poem :-)

And Shubhosree,
Had seen Friends a couple of times but didn't quite go after the lyrics. Cool!

One of my fav's has been - Crash & burn. Quite like how I feel for a friend:

=========
...
...

Let me be the one you call
If you jump I’ll break your fall
Lift you up and fly away with you into the night
If you need to fall apart
I can mend a broken heart
If you need to crash then crash and burn
You’re not alone

When you feel all alone
And a loyal friend is hard to find
You’re caught in a one way street
With the monsters in your head
When hopes and dreams are far away and
You feel like you can’t face the day

Let me be the one you call
If you jump I’ll break your fall
Lift you up and fly away with you into the night
If you need to fall apart
I can mend a broken heart
If you need to crash then crash and burn
You’re not alone

And there has always been heartache and pain
And when it’s over you’ll breathe again
You’ll breath again

...
...
==========

Love you guys :-)

Surya

Great song. You must surely be a great pal to have:)

I think like you say, spontaneity is the key to good giving. I guess for many though whose hearts are closed giving has to be a conscious effort at first. But Surya to be able to be spontaneous in giving you must have a golden heart:)

lots of love

love

Dear Surya,

Thats indeed a beautiful sentiment to have about friends. And its good to know that you put friendship above all else. But you know what Surya, speaking as a girl and having gone through some such experiences, I can say that in those circumstances, the thought on a girl's mind usually is "has the guy truly gotten over it or is this just his way of staying close to figure out if there is a chance of getting back together?" and that makes the relationship a little awkward.

May be you (and the other guys here) can clear the air today :-)

Its a beautiful song, Crash & Burn. lovely words :-)

Helooooo Surya where have you been. Was just starting to wonder what would, Aachi, Surya, Prasun (by the way where are you?)Venkat and the other guys have to say on this.

Going back to being friends probably depends on the way the friendship or relationship broke in the first palce. If it broke leaving bitterness then probably going back will be difficult. Even if one did go back it would be limited to 'no hard feelings', 'keep in touch'. But the depth will not be there. Nothing wrong with that.

Surya I liked what you said about friends 'see thru you' and 'see you thru.' Very very true Bondhu. Thanks for sharing your Bondhutto (friendship) with us :)

Shubhosree 'Friends' is really a great serial. It's so real. Here is an incident that happened once with a group of my friends that was very similar to something that they showed on Friends. Remember there was this episode in which they show all the 6 sitting in a room and chatting when suddenly the door bell rings. The 6 are very stunned and start counting to check whether all 6 are present in the room or not. When they find that none of them are missing, they all give each other a questioning look asking 'Who could that be when all of us are already here?"

Even before I saw this episode, the same thing had happened with me and a bunch of my friends!

The makers of this programme have been able to catch the true essence of friendship really well.

Hello all

Friendship is one of the only relationships YOU choose for yourself and so it is real love in a sense.

Achi

Leave the cavity unfilled, you may need to meet a dentist for your own self:)( oops, that is if you are still unattached)

Shubhoshree and Chaitali

Great debate, but I agree with Surya too many generalities here. Few days back I was reflecting upon my friends and life. Even though neither my dad nor my partner is in the army, I have moved cities and countries very often. This is when it occurred to me that I have at least one close friend in all the places I have stayed in, including a few friends I have known since the 3rd standard. Naturally, we have had many an argument, days of sulking, et al. This though has strengthened our friendships, cause, we love each other, we moved on, accepting each other, through changes, through distance.

Ex-boyfriends/lovers, hmmmm hate to break the news to you but with them too there is a friendship I do think it lacks certain depth and intimacy but there definitely is no awkwardness, mistrust or any traumatic negativity to the friendship.

Finally, it seems to me that everyone has a true friend but honestly everyone seems to reflect on the woman to woman and man to man side of it.

My question then is, is there no friendship between the opposite sexes?

Hello Friends :-)

Thought I'd wish you before I get bizzier. ;-)

Dear Shubhosree, Chaitali, Anusheh, Madhavi :)
Have a lot to share, clear as a male & as a friend.

BRB :)
Have a great day.

Hi Surya

I think we're going to have to put a request in to your boss about giving you some time off for the blog:)

big hug

Dear Madhavi,

Of course, there can be friendship between the opposite sexes. I dont think there is any doubt about that one! :-)

Hi friends,

nice debate.

Dear Chaitali,

I feel a broken relationship breaks friendship also...albeit for sometime....and after a few years one might indulge in a path of mutual discovery again and then friendship rebounds anew...or for that matter even love.

everything lasts for ever...:)

madhavi,

:) I will.

I do think there can be friendship between opposite sexes. if I understand ur question right then if you are asking if only friendship is possible between a boy and a girl without the idea of sex....well it can be possible for majority of a time but practically , given these times of stress and fickle relationships , I doubt it.

its like Kuch Kuch....as long as Shah Rukh was unmindful of Kajol's sexuality he treated her as a friend...once the 'barrier of perception' broke between them...he seeks her as a woman who understands him.

Good Morning everyone :)

Keep Smiles on your face guys :-) ... and if/when you feel short of it, borrow a few from me but pls return it asap ;-)

Dear Shubhosree, Chaitali, Anusheh:

Changing the greeting for a reason - please bear with me:

Hello "Friends & Friendies":

Doesn't sound correct, does it? Of course it doesn't.

Even the Language does not allow discrimination. Its just "Friends" - covers all genders, ages.
A Calling from the plain old Child in me - to free myself of gender bias, logic, emotions, et al when thinking of a friend.

Dear Anusheh:

"to be able to be spontaneous in giving you must have a golden heart"
True. My point exactly - when I say "... for every relationship one should just 'Be there' if one can do that Selflessly."

Dear Shubhosree, Chaitali, Anusheh:

(Please pardon the length, didn't know how to shorten it. Its just my experience and wanted my friends to know in as much detail as possible from my side ... kuch zyada ho gaya :-( )

"speaking as a girl and having gone through some such experiences, I can say that in those circumstances, the thought on a girl's mind usually is "has the guy truly gotten over it or is this just his way of staying close to figure out if there is a chance of getting back together?" and that makes the relationship a little awkward."

Well, my first thoughts are - Yes many of us (males) may first try to look for a "chance of getting back together". Some males even take this as a prestige issue thinking of it as a defeat of sorts. That's wrong and you should really be able to decipher such traits in your friend-circle early on. I'm sure you know your friends well (from your experiences that you've shared).

P.S. - My opinions as a male without indicating that they represent any/all other Males.

I also recently read an article in the newspaper - about How to get back to being friends with your ex, or with a good friend with whom it didn't work out. It clearly went on the similar lines confirming all this.

Case A: All you need is to know your friend, be ready to listen to him/her patiently. Trying to keep them away from those emotions if you can - some support in whichever way to help them 'get over it'.

Your Question of that fear is quite obvious & sensible. Its perfectly normal. Doesn't make the situation awkward, in fact it gives you an opportunity to come out stronger.

I believe Time heals just about everything. I agree that memories may remain but both the people together can make some unwanted ones to fade away and make way for the good old ones to come out again.

This also goes for those who have always been there for you and will always be there for you (if you feel they expressed that unconditionally). And if you've been good friends, then you would also know whether they have the strength enough to get over it in time or not. Whether you really need to "STAY AWAY" or not. I took my decision and feel Happy & Fortunate ('Anusheh' ;-) is short) to come out with such experience.

Case B: Getting downright practical - If it does not seem to work, then its time you gave this person some "TIME OFF", still knowing that you are doing it for his/her own good clearly expressing how you feel & how to let it be for a while and wait for the things to normalize a bit.

In my case, I knew somewhere that I'll 'get over' it and also that 'she would too'. So I (rather we - thanks to her support - true friend I must say she's been), took some time for introspection and to re-align my/our feelings - consciously filtering each thought I had about her. Also, some thoughts may revisit but we made an effort to ignore those from either sides or simply laughed them off - seemed to help.
AND YES, SOME MALES GET OVER IT FASTER - SINCE THEY CAN BE PROFESSIONAL-LIKE AT THIS TOO - PROVIDED THEY ARE GOOD PROFESSIONALS.

No doubt takes a lot of work, re-work, and more but that's the test. That's the EXPERIENCE I grew up with. Some people might turn out better with some support and consistent (though lesser) communication to begin with. Slowly you should see a change in him/her with time. You will automatically feel comfortable talking to him/her like you used to when you were friends back then. That's when you can smile wide - its all going the right way - towards healing & a better friendship - grown out and much stronger. I COULD SEE THAT.

Again, re-iterating - Let's not aim at anything else (including 'love') in a relationship. The aim should be to just 'Be There' selflessly like a friend always is and communicating this to your friends in clear ways. SOME PEOPLE NEED SOME CLEAR INDICATIONS (MALES / FEMALES)

But it is a FACT that once you get back to being friends again, you will enjoy a much stronger bond than before, will be able to talk about anything, sharing so many things again, fight/argue, have fun, what not. True friendship in all its colors. Simply because you're now much clearer about the relationship at the foundation level.

Have the faith in yourself and your friend.

Its the essence of this beautiful relationship, the companionship as you may call it that calls for a thought.

Love,
Surya.

And hey its DAWN already

Version 2 for my last comment-cum-post: For those who like it short.

All you need to know is how exactly & clearly you can see a relationship. And that also decides where it goes from here. If you're meant to be friends then you will be friends and nothing more. But if you're meant to be soulmates, then nothing can stop you from being that way.

About friendship in opposite sexes, well I've seen some really long lasting relationships of this kind. In fact I always find it beutiful, incomparable in ways to m/m or f/f friendships.

Have a great day :)

Hey again Surya :-)

This is a very case specific topic that we are debating on. We all agree that nothing can be made a general statement. Keeping this in mind, I would like to share my experience ....

Having been on both the sides (being the friend who was in love with a friend and being the friend who her friend fell in love with .... a little confusing eh? :-))

I was in a relationship with a guy who used to be a good friend of mine and when we broke up, I knew it very clearly that if I went back to being friends, I wouldnt be able to get over it. Today, however, I know that I wouldnt have any issues with it. So for me, that TIME OFF was necessary.

Now the other side - When a good friend of mine developed feelings for me. And since I couldnt reciprocate them, I was the 'supportive' friend for quite sometime but soon realised that it wasnt working. Sometimes, being with the 'other' backfires as it doesnt let you get out of the web of false hopes. And then I had to assert myself and disconnect for his own good. And made the reasons very clear to him as well.

So at the end of the day, it all depends on how truthful we are to ourselves. Fooling ourselves can only cause us harm. So I say, be true to yourself and everything else will fall into place! :-)

Forgot to add one line there ....

Even asserting the 'Disconnection' was actually from being a true friend and a well-wisher. Sometimes, your friend may not be able to see things very clearly but you can "see thru your friends" :-) and hence, the assertion!

Surya, Aachi, thanks for those shares.

Shubz thats right! Being truthful to yourself. When a relationship with a friend didn't work out neither of us hesitated getting back to being friends because we knew that we were meant to be friends.

But when a relationship with this person who I had my hearts for didn't work, I couldn't get back to being friends with him because deep down I knew it was not plain friendship that I wanted with him. Even now I can't think of becoming 'friends' with that person, not becuase I still have the hearts for him but because I realised that the relationship/friendship was not based on a strong foundation from the begining itself.

Dear madhavi,

Two of my very dear friends are guys and I love them and cherish the love that they have given me. Reminds me I think I better give them a call :)

It's been great to read from all of you on this topic.

Hey Shubhosree,

A wonderful day indeed.
Yes, one must not get entangled in the web of any kind.

Yes, its good to know you're pretty clear and took a decision with all good intensions and didn't simply withdraw.

I'm sure that latter was lucky to have you and you were lucky to have the former :-)

All we can do is hope for ourselves & our friends to find the truth and act upon it.

An enriching experience to even share these with you guys.
I feel proud to be with you guys.

Friends !!

What a fascinating discussion..and that too on a topic very close to my heart..Friendship.

Enjoyed every bit of it.

Well the person i am today..i owe a lot of it to my friends [those bunch of unsophisticated folks who taught me all about life :-)]

With them I cud be ME without thinking twice..i am blessed to have them in life.

Have loads and loads to share on friendship. Just wait for the weekend :-)