Do opposites attract in...FRIENDSHIP?

     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.