The Things I Learned from ECC
How blessed I am to call this insanely talented writer my friend? Over the past six years or so, we've had our ups and our downs, but it's safe to say that my friend has graced me with her talent each and every single time I talk to her. Here are a couple of things I've learned from ECC this past week or so.
"You are that rare piece of delayed gratification and it intrigues their innermost basic instincts."
I've often asked my friends why I am still single (not that I have any problem with it) but it always fascinates me how some of the people I know have already found their so-called "other half." Though I used to spend quite some time contemplating on what could have been, I've learned that rather than giving in to the hook-up culture, I've still hold quite a traditional mindset when it comes to giving my time, heart, and body to someone and that's perfectly a-okay.
"You're dating, whether you two realize it or not."
Don't get me wrong. I've had dates before. I mean just two weeks ago, I had a "date" to my sorority's formals event and another date a couple of months back at our informals. I dress up, he dresses up, we go out and eat something fancy shmancy, but that doesn't necessarily mean that I've been 'dating.' However, according to Emily, I have been. The guy picks me up, we both look a bit more put together than normal, and then we proceed to try out a new restaurant downtown. I usually call these 'bro hangouts' but she begs to differ. So whatever Emily says goes...I guess.
"We're just a part of a pivotal generation that isn't placing a huge emphasis on settling down."
Man, the thought of being in a relationship with a wonderful man gives me so much chills (but a good kind, of course). However, I find that as I begin to meet more people, I've become either A) more attracted to them or B) just completely bored out of my mind. It's typically the latter to say the least and I have found that I, too, have no intentions of settling for anyone...ever.
"When you impress yourself, you impress me and the rest of the world."
I worry too much about critics...only to find that I truly am the worst of them all. Whether it's in a competition or in regards to my own work, I can't seem to ever be completely satisfied with what I'm doing. Is it because my work lack passion and heart? Perhaps. But I think the problem with me lately is that I haven't been able to find an outlet to express that passion, therefore, I am left unimpressed and uninspired.
"Your patience is impeccable."
My co-intern at KTLA was very surprised when she found out that I was Buddhist. 'No wonder you're always so collective and Zen.' I failed to realize it before but it takes a lot to get me worked up about things Normally, I never feel like I am in a rush or if I am, I just act like I'm not. You'd be surprised the kind of patience LA traffic teaches you when you have to sit through it everyday for two hours.
"I love how you can convey so much in a few words."
Less is more and having a conversation with someone is exactly that. At times, I like to go into details. After all, I'm a detail-oriented person. But I don't believe in extending a conversation if I don't have to. What's amazing is that for the most part, I can convey just as much within a sentence or two. It just means A) I may or may not like you B) Why not?
"Sometimes, despite how great of a friend someone once was, we outgrow them. And truth be told, that's totally okay. You meet people, you share some amazing memories, but affinity doesn't guarantee that you'll have this person for eternity. Everyone contributes to our life in one way or another. Sometimes they stay, sometimes they don't."
Refer back to my previous post: http://khanhpduong.wordpress.com/2014/04/09/its-not-me/
"I understand that you have your defenses up, especially when people tend to show up seeming like they want something from you. You're justified to be guarded. So this is just another day in the life."
The older I get, the less inclined I feel to put in time and effort towards mere acquaintances. On the other hand, I am trying a lot more for those I care about. I like to think that who I am today is in part due to those I've surrounded myself with. Although having my guards up mean that I will not open up to just any person, I am happy to say that I am a quality over quantity kinda gal. Quite frankly, I am not afraid to admit that I truly have the best support system around. Thank you, guys :-) I love you all so much.
To Emily -- a friend who teaches me a thing or two about life and myself through our text conversations, I love you. I'll always stand by you. In light and in darkness.
