26

My 26 years of existence has taught me these…

• Be polite and listen. Sometimes all you have to do is just listen.
• Return things where you found them.
• Sometimes a hug is enough to make the pain go away.
• You can sit quietly with a friend and go home like you have had the best conversation. With true friends, silence isn’t that awkward.
• Always have your college diploma, transcript of records, board certificate, license/ professional ID ready. You never know when they may come in handy.
• Some breakthroughs may come in as risks. Most of the times, we are torn from doing the sensible thing that we think should be done because we can’t risk the things we can’t afford losing.
• The first year in any career is always rocky. Fasten your seatbelt and take a ride.
• Sometimes we don’t know that we need a “fuzzy” companion to hug until someone gives them to us.
• Promises are contradictions: easy to make, difficult to fulfill. Make promises that you can accomplish.
• On thoughtless remark may forever mar someone else’s reputation.
• Keep the child in us alive and playing. 

  [Talking to inanimate objects having their own alter egos is sometimes more comforting].
  

  
  
• There are several creative ways of dealing with problems. Ignoring their existence will temporarily ease the burden. But they still have to be dealt with.
• We can’t smother people in any relationship (this applies to friends, family, boyfriend). Nothing grows under too much shade. Allow them a separate space to mature.
• People do not have price tags, but each one of us has his worth.
• Holding on to anger and pain, and being drawn to others’ negativism steal our energy and zest for living.
• Sibling fights can be patched up by offering something he or she finds irresistible: 

  “So, are we still on for CSI Marathon tonight?’ [with Schelli]“
  

  
  
  

  I’ll do the dishes tonight?” [with Rhodela]
  

  
  
  

  “Here, I made you coffee” [with Rhoda]
  

  
  
• Criticism can sometimes lead us to self-evaluation. Work on your blemishes, reject those which do not apply.
• Helping people grow sometimes involves letting go and having them face the consequences of their actions.
• Parents are sometimes too scared to let you know that they don’t have all the answers. Take it easy on them.
• Do not idealize people too much. They are humans. Expect what is reasonable, not what is perfect.
• When angry with someone, stop and reconsider before you respond.
• Jealousy and anger aren’t something to be ashamed or guilty of. It’s what we do about these which make us bad.
• Courage doesn’t mean indulging in a reckless dare. Or being unafraid. It is facing the truth and doing the right thing, no matter how unpopular.
• Sometimes bad things happen to good relationships. But good or bad, they have their values.
• You can always make someone appear bad but it still won’t make you a better person.