Friday, January 23, 2009

Ever wondered how names can suddenly change, yet the person we know is still the same? Today I just met a very old friend of mine, dating back to primary school days. She used a different name now, and somehow I felt so awkward calling her by that, that I didn't even call her by any name. I just started talking without addressing her lol. It's weird how names can create perceptual sets for us as well. What goes against this norm, would then seem awkward to us.
Similarly, with nicknames, they change the perceptual set of the original name. Some nicknames are nice, while others just aren't pleasing to hear; and to the person using it, it may seem warm and sincere, but to others, it may be offensive and embarrassing. I feel sometimes it's impossible to be fully sensitive and aware of everything around us. No one is perfect, thus let's not make hasty judgments or negative feelings about anything or anyone around us. Life is too short to harbour hatred, and by the time u realise it, time will have passed, and the opportunity to say "I care" will be gone forever. Thus now I would like to say "I care", to all my friends out there. Take care too, Jonathan. Cya~!