Best friends forever

SOME people say that the truest friendships are those forged during schooldays.

They say we will never find true friends in our office in this dog-eat-dog world. But, for me, friendships can be forged anytime and anywhere if we do it with our hearts rather than our intellect.

Recently, I met up with one of my classmates after many years. We had so much to talk about. If it were not for her husband waiting for her, we would have continued till dusk.

I cherish such moments where we can reminisce about the good old days, discuss the strategies we have in our workplace, and our responsibilities at home. I just feel that the bond, which we’ve had since our schooldays, is getting stronger by the day.

Whilst I am still in contact with my best mates since schooldays, I can still find BFFS (best friends forever) in the corporate world, where business politics is a cruel fact. From being mere colleagues, slowly but surely, our relationships evolved to become BFFS. We share the same kind of pressure and the same lunch time, we clock out at almost the same time and with some, we share the same boss.

Even when we have left the organisation, one thing remains: The strong bond and friendship would never end with one’s resignation or retirement.

They are angels God sent to help me through my working days. On days that seem impossible, they are the ones who help me pull myself together and get through the day. And in my crazy line of work, the cycle most certainly repeats itself the next day.

There are some whom we can’t see eye to eye when we first meet, but after working together for some time, that barrier is broken down gradually. Eventually, we agree to disagree. Some may take a longer while to get close but, with some, we just hit it off instantly.

“Birds of a feather flock together” is a saying that is so true. No matter which group of friends I am with, whenever we meet, there must be food. Even when we go for karaoke sessions, there must be food before we sing.

I am forever grateful for my former classmates whom I have kept in touch with for so many years. Although we have our own stress at work and at home, we are able to support and encourage one another.

I am also truly grateful for colleagues who eventually become best friends because their friendship goes beyond business politics. We encourage, build, empower, support and help one another in times of need.