We all heard people saying very often: "Opposites are attracted to each other in relationship." I've always thought it was true only for the relationships, however, I realized it might be true for friendship as well.
We were
different. I was a career-oriented, cold-heated rationalist. Jackie was a
romantic, infantile fantasist. But this significant difference made our
friendship perfect, as neither of us could possibly become attracted to the
other.
We constantly argued about simplest
things. When I said about something it was ‘white,’ Jackie pointed out that the
same thing was ‘black.’ It always was a surprise to each of us to find
something that we both agreed on. Well, we found something we both loved: going
out in NYC. However, let’s leave the reasons for going out for the future and
pay closer attention to the night life of the city that never sleeps.
Weekend after weekend, month after month
we kept our lives busy with dim light of cafes, bars, and lounges, random
friends that are willing to “hang out next week,” and the variety of foods and
drinks that the city had to offer. It is very hard to question yourself of where to go in New York City. The more you live here, the more you realize that there are so many places to eat in the city, it might be impossible to check out at least a half of them as the new ones appear on weekly basis.
This week we decided to check out the
Italian place right by Columbia University Campus – Max Café. Beautiful
interior, friendly personnel and absolutely delicious food made this place a
“must-go” for me. Jackie started to complain a bit about portions like he always
does, so I tried to start the new discussion. And this time it led to the topic
that rally made me question many things about my life.
- So why are you so excited about this job fair? –
Jackie asked.
- Well, career growth really is the reason I came
to the United States, duh! – I responded. The truth is I've always cared about
professional success more than I cared about anything else.
- You, for example, care about girls and
relationships only, - I made a comeback.
- Well, don’t you think it’s a more human thing to
do?
I might have over-dramatized it for myself, however, I've always
knew it anyway. I lacked some simple human characteristics sometimes – I hardly
ever missed anyone, got jealous or fell in love. The question my friend asked
me really put me under the projector that shone with its light right in my
eyes. “Am I a Muppet or am I a man?” – I wanted to ask myself referring to the
Muppet Movie that came out a couple of years ago.
What if I really was just a Muppet that was hooked on career? What
if I never will be that person who is capable of real human feelings? And why
in the world do I even ask myself if I am a human?
At least, as I decided for
myself, I can stay happy with what I do, I can reach the goals that make me
feel satisfied, and go for things and moves other ‘regular’ humans would never
go. I decided to take it as an advantage that will help me to stay strong in
the world of weakening emotions.
