Dear friend of mine,

Borrowing a quote from my brother (or matrix, as the case may be), what is being different? How do you define being different? How can you possibly ask me whether you are different or not? Do YOU want to be different? What do you want my answer to be? Yes, you are different. No, you're not. Which one will make you happier? Of course no one wants to be run-of-the-mill ordinary, but what most of what you feel, do and act is sadly, the same as half the world. No, that is not a crime. And no, that does not stamp out your individuality. To the extent of being cliché, no one is born 100 similar, not even twins. Not even with the arrival of genetic engineering. And what are clichés except home truths that everyone knows and that no one can contest?

In a sense, everyone is the same. That is what globalisation means. You think liking j-rock is being different? You think forming a band is that obscure a whim? Too bad, darling. If being Asian is different, what can you say about the few million (statistics may differ) who share the very same trait? People are universal. I like quirks of yours, the little things that stand out, true. But to be honest, dear, that very same quality might be present in any stranger that I passed in the street and never notice. So why did I notice it in you? That is simply because you are you. Period. No explanations, no reasons, no questions. So why the endless scrutiny as to whether you are a product of the masses or an individual that stands out in a crowd? Do others' opinion of you matter so much to you? Then what makes you so different from other teenagers? If you tried so hard to be different, what makes you so special amid the million others who did all sorts of crazy things just to shout to the world, "hey, that's me!"?

We live in a world of confused values. Acceptance is wrong. Standing out is over-rated. Be yourself. Make a difference. So, what gives??! I cannot tell you, be yourself. Because if that is not what you want to be (be that being a better person or otherwise), who am I to force you into showing that character of yours to the world? I cannot tell you, you need to tweak that bit of personality of yours to be that person you want to be. Because that would be pretence. And if I want pretence and make-believe, I would rather go to the movies or read a fairytale. At least the endings are sweeter.

I am afraid to tell you, I like you simply for the way you are. Because that would sort of be a lie. There are things about you I simply could not stand; though in all honesty, you probably could say the same thing about me. But the fact is, we remained friends for so long despite that, so there must be some core or part of you that I appreciated so much that I overcame that. But please, do not ask me to identify which. I could not, I would not.

If you ever read this, and chances are, you will, call me. You know who I am, you know where I will be. I am sorry if I ever wounded your feelings, be it intentional or otherwise. However, please be assured that although I might be far from perfect, I care enough to try to be always be there for you. It is a false promise if I say I would always be there when you need me, you know it is physically impossible. But that is not going to stop me from trying. And always, always, I will remain

Your friend