Yes, we are all alone, but only in the sense that you are the only one who has been and always will be with you. You are born, die, and take every step between with yourself and only yourself. But we are not alone because everyone else in the world is in exactly the same boat. We all ‘get’ each other – but only when we are in a particular confluence with the other at a particular time. That is called bonding. Loose bonds sometimes are stronger because they allow for change. Imagine two boats on the water – a long circular chain linking the two of them is less likely to snap in high seas than a short tight one. When seas get rough, when change comes, tight bonds snap. People don’t like change. Change always involves the death of what was before and we are hardwired to avoid death. Nor do people like to see their own fears. When another changes, it is always a reflection to the one watching of the ways in which they need to change but are afraid to. People will fight to maintain the relationship pattern they are used to with the changing friend – the more they do, the more you both resent the other. Eventually the chain snaps. Fortunately, sometimes the boats (returning to the metaphor) will find themselves in the same harbor again. Sometimes they separate forever.
I guess all we can do is rise and fall with the tides of time and waves of the ocean. Don’t hold on too tight to what must drift away and don’t forget that just as some things drift away, new opportunities, experiences, and people will also drift in.
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