The phone rang. A: “Hey, what’s up?” B: “Can you hear me?” A: “Yep.” B: “I just bought a new Bluetooth wireless headphone. Is my voice clear? ?” A: “It’s very clear.” B: “Great. Thanks.”
A text message popped up. A: “Excuse me, do you have XX credit card?” B: “Yeah.” A: “Can you help me buy a concert ticket? Your card has priority booking.” B: “How many tickets?” A: “One. I’m going solo. Thanks.” B: “Okay.”
A: “There’s an award ceremony next month on the last Friday afternoon. I can take a plus one. You free?” B: “Oh, I have to host a meeting that day.” A: ” Okay, I’ll send pics.”
B: “Hey, wanna go north for hot pot tomorrow? Do you have time?” A: “Okay. Can we get there earlier? I gotta buy a new pair of glasses.” B: “OK.” On the day of departure. A: “I’m sorry, my friend is suddenly very unhappy. I want to spend some time with him.” B: “No problem, go spend time with that friend.”
A and B can have offhand gatherings without a second thought, and they can frankly cancel appointments when something unexpected happens. No matter how big or small things are, they can raise them without hesitation. They say yes or no truthfully. And they don’t fear the other misunderstanding themselves as disrespecting the other or treating the other as a “placeholder friend”. Sharing happiness, helping each other and laying bare their tolerance and consideration. These actions relax and ease everyone.
In this fast-paced and multi-role environment, it’s a rare blessing to have this kind of close secure relationship, whether between parents and children, close partners or friends. It’s like having a pillow as a buffer for mental stress, as well as a refreshing agent for mental health.
Written by: Dr. William Chui
Originally posted on: HKEJ Health
Translated by: Cheuk Long Chan
