Growing up, I never really put much thought into the saying 'You don't value what you have until you lose it'. I started taking that seriously after I lost my only sibling. Ever since, I decided that whenever I need to express my feelings towards someone or even remind the people around me of my love for them, I do it as soon as the time for it arises.
Being the first daughter of my parents and in another sense, the only child, I find it hard to make new friends. I just stick around the old friends and accept the good ones nature gives me as time goes on. I used the term 'the ones nature gives me' because to be very honest, I and my friends have no special way in which we got to know each other. It's even more characterized by initial misunderstandings and dislikes for one another. Then before you know it, we forgive each other and become friends.
When it comes to showing love and care to family and friends, I usually reciprocate the love and support I've received from others. Having seen the way life happens, people you see today, you may wake up and hear that they are no more and you're never going to get to see them again has made me value those I have present around me more.
In all, I have also come to make some exceptions in my relationships with people. Personally, I find friends who see themselves as worthy receivers of whatever you have to offer to them, the worst friends to have around. I tend to dissociate from people like that as soon as I notice that trait in them because I believe friendship is meant to go both ways.
Like I said initially, most of my friendships are characterized by initial dislike and misunderstandings. I have a friend who said she disliked me at first because she always caught me looking at her rudely or judgingly. Little did she know back then that I was born with what I found out to be the siren eyes. When I don't voice out my thoughts or I'm quietly resting with my eyes open, and I look at someone, my eyes give the impression that I'm judging or looking down on them whereas it's just my resting face. I've gotten comments like that from people I'm already friends with and they know I'm acting not the way my resting self portrays me. That my face just chooses to look like that whenever I'm resting with my eyes open.
Today, being labour day has always been a special day for a friend of mine. It's her birthday. Although we lost contact about three years ago, I got her contact back this year and was able to wish her a happy birthday today. My brain automatically stores the birthdates of those I love. And I like it because it helps me not to disappoint them when their birthday or whatever celebration they hold dear to their heart comes.
The month of May is very dear to me, although many people I know get to celebrate their birthday in this month, it's my mum's birthday. Her birthday comes up on the 6th of May and while thinking of what to get her, I decided on getting her a bag and some jewelries. Although I won't be around to celebrate it with her, I want her to still find the day special and not feel the loss of not having any of her kids around her. While sourcing around for online vendors who are into the bag and jewelry business, I came across one that I knew my mom would really like and when I asked for the total price, it amounted to quite a substantial price. I thought about the price, considering the fact that I'm a student but then I said 'It's my mom. She wouldn't spare a second thought to do it for me if it was the other way round' and I decided to go for it. I just can't wait for that day so I can hear how excited she would be, and how she'll tell me to not have spent that much of my money.
This post was inspired by the Inleo prompt for the month of May. You can check out the prompts for this month here and do well to participate.
May the month of May be filled with peace, joy and love for each and everyone of us this month.
Image above was taken by me.
