learnings

A few of us met at Bangalore for the weekend. One of the topics of discussion was marriage( eternal topic when the group consists of single and married people ). The usual quips came in. As always the institution of marriage is trampled, derided and mocked. I am reminded of the Bard 's, 'to be or not to be! ' Interestingly one married friend ( the only one so far ) had positive statements. He said he believed in the sanctity of marriage so he would never speak negatively. What struck me was the strength he possessed. He did not want to be part of the crowd. So I wondered if people especially men merely passed comments on marriage to be part of the crowd.  Or was it that they did not believe in it. Or is it they feared to be a stand alone?

I possess a naturally loud voice. Having been a teacher for long does not lessen the tenor! Often while debating / arguing the voice reaches a jarring crescendo! So much so I admire the soft -speaking ones!   This morning I woke up to the soft tone of a young friend of mine. I asked him if he ever raised his voice. His simple answer - why raise the voice ever?  Such confidence from a youngster.  Don Corleone never raised his voice. So would I learn or rather unlearn? Eeks why am I screeching?

It is very very difficult to lose a relative, be it sibling/parent/spouse. It is even more difficult to render condolences. Yet when we do, we emerge as stronger persons. I met a friend who happened to work with me in my previous school this noon. She had lost her husband. I was quite upset to learn that many of our ex-colleagues had not bothered to meet or talk to her. I felt sad for those petty people. In times of grief should we not put aside our personal differences? Is not life too short to keep grievances?