some hypothetical responses, or
the second person pronoun is back

1. if i were the person i was five years ago - or maybe five months ago - i would've taken the odd (non) greeting very badly, thinking what did i do? wonder of wonders, i didn't. i do have a good suspicion but it's something to be extrapolated to extend the recap conversation during dinner. not that i thought i couldn't care less. i will never care less. some things are best left to the unknown. anyway, good luck, buddy.

2. as i've seen in many people, a damaged childhood cements a bitter legacy. some people strive to undo it while others - well, the shadows lurk but still they make do with what they have and work with it in earnest. i have nothing but my deepest respect. the bond remains.

3. such a strong - or is it skillful? - manner of handling emotions. are there any, in the first place? how can you handle such gross incompetencies? i still wonder why we ever became friends, you with your wide network of people around you. but i'll whisper to you, it's because you never made me feel small or stupid. somebody else did.

4. you know how there are those friends who you'd love to chat for hours on end, and there are others who you can't stand after three hours of being together? well, you're one of them. but you're a good person - somewhere deep down in that hang-up-laden body of yours - and i nourished that hunch ever since.

5. if i'm not careful enough, you will suck the life out of me, what with your paranoia. but i know better and i see the fighter in you. there are just some things best left unexplored.

6. oh, sweet lord, someone once said you may be my karmic partner, out to show me things about myself and learn lessons in the process. then what a karmic partner you've been. there is always hope. one day, my friend, one day.

7. once your grey hairs started to show, i, at the same time, started to fret that even you didn't escape human frailty. they're not supposed to be there. then again, seeing your weaknesses and fears assured me, scared me, taught me many things. that above everything else, there is love.