Of Friendship

Having a friend is crucial for every individual. Even an animal needs to have a companion. However, friendship does not function like an employer-employee relationship. Friends do not have to sign a contract of service neither a contract for service between one another.

In my humble opinion, I believe there are boundaries between two individuals even if they are good friends.

Being a friend of another does not bind me to undertake any responsibilities and undertaking which I do not wish to partake. Albeit we are friends, there are times that we should give and take. Mere taking alone will result dissatisfaction and annoyance.

Just because one have tasks needed to be dealt with, it does not mean others must lend their hands, mind and feet. YOU need to understand that your friends might also have works or activities to be done.

Another notion to be considered is about asking for a request. Everyone has to realize the fact that when one proposes a request to a friend, it is not binding. So, if they refuse to help, respect their decision because they reserved the privilege to do so. Perhaps your siblings can endure your facial expression and slander, but most humans cannot.

Moreover, please acknowledge their effort with a sincere expression of gratitude when your friends are willing to help out.

There are also friends who like to take things for granted. This species tends to expect others to assist them. And the ridiculous part is when you have declined their behests, they will claim that you are not a friend or you are unlike his or her best buddy in Pluto. I positively recommend them to see a psychiatrist.

However, worst of all are the ones that expect friends to pay for them. They are like scoundrels because they tend to "forget" that they owe you money even though they are the ones that asked you to pay for them initially. Only god knows how such mindset can exist. Needless to say, when your friend paid for you when you are "unable" to pay, is it not the least you can do is to remember the favor ? Bloodsuckers.

All in all, for me, the definition for friendship is about two individuals having respect, understanding and appreciation between each other. So appreciate and respect your friends when they deserve it.

P/S: If you are miffed with this post, maybe you are the type that : (i) always expect your friends to oblige with your request; or (ii) always count on your friends to pay your bills; or (iii) you have a guilty conscience right now.

China: Student Mobility Program

It was decided by our respected Prof. Anisah that my upcoming mobility program, I will not be going to CUPL, Beijing. Instead I will be heading to:

Hunan University, Hunan

Although, I really wanted to visit CUPL but since our group is facing certain difficulties, thus, it's better to opt for a more appropriate option. Nevertheless, Hunan is too (Guilin 1st) famous for their landscape and scenery. I hope it will be breathtaking.

On the other note, I am done with two of my final papers (Criminal Law and Tort Law). The remaining papers will be Muamalat (Islamic Finance Law) and Intellectual Property Law. Pray for my best. I think I'm in trouble (considering the fact that I am still blogging right now). :'(

Depression

Dear Journal,

Have you ever felt your life has lost it's direction...you are caught in a web of nothingness, wondering what to look forward too.

As if life no longer has any purpose to be continued. All you wanted to do is to stop thinking and sleep forever.

It's depression.

| Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/10/08/2708245.htm

Depression was never in my dictionary. Since young, I am always the half-full boy that ambitiously aims to conquer the world. I'd never dwelt in self-pity before.

... And out of the blue, I was struck with emptiness. My feeling of depression was horrible. I was lost. I kept thinking and rethinking the purpose of me existing in this world. At one point, I was pretty convinced that my own brain was trying to kill me.

It lasted for around 2 weeks.

Although I can't identify what had helped me to recover but, personally, I felt the time I spent with my friends did assist in releasing my mind from unnecessary thoughts. I ate a lot of good food too, e.g., ice-creams.

Banana Split !

During my depression, Japan was hit by tsunami and earthquakes. When I saw the pictures of the calamity, I appreciate my life a little bit better. It made me realize that my life is much better off than a loads of people. For the very least, I have a bed to snuggle in and a blanket to keep me warm.

Japan's Blight. | Source: http://news.nationalgeographic.com

With all the tiny incidents I've experienced, I'm glad that I am no longer depressed. I do hope this post can reach out to those who are currently depressed. Live your life y'all !

For more guidances:

1. Focus your life in the present rather then envisioning the future.

2.Take a walk at the park or somewhere with great scenery.

3. Find a new interest. *Blogging ;)*

4. Do whatever it takes to occupy your mind,e.g., watch your favorite drama or movie, read a book, exercise and etc.

5. If there is a reason behind your depression, take it positively. Though, you might not be able to solve it, try to embrace it and move on.

Majestic morning scenery from my room.