SEPANX.

I am a very emotional person. By emotional, I mean I am easily affected by random things: I laugh at the corniest joke and cry for the silliest reason. My family and most close friends can validate this claim. When I was younger, my uncles and aunts used to tease me that I could well pass for a great actress should I choose to take that path. While it did cross my mind once or twice, I never took the joke seriously.

I am terrible with goodbyes. I actually remind myself of Abby Abernathy of Jamie McGuire’s Beautiful Disaster when she’d rather leave unannounced than suffer from separation anxiety. Last week was the last day of one of my buddies at work. Nica has decided to leave the company in search for “greener pasture”. Nica is four years my junior. She is actually the same age as my younger brother, hence I considered her as my little sister.

For future reference, I have written a short list of things NOT to do with this young woman:

1. Save her from a potential parasite. Nica was a fresh graduate when she was offered a job as a Journal Account Officer. Being the youngest in the team, she allowed herself to make friends with her new colleagues. One of them took advantage of her youth, and that was when I decided to step into the picture. I need not elaborate on what happened, but Nica and I knew it was the beginning of a budding friendship.
   
2. Ask her about anything Korean. When she’s at it, she never stops. Never. She can go on for an entire day animatedly talking about anything and everything Korean. She won’t give up. You will.
3. Ask her what book she’s currently reading. For the record, I have to thank her (and Micah), for they influenced me into reading again despite how busy I have been. Anyway, when she’s really into the book she’s reading, she has the tendency to spoil the story for you. This applies to whatever she’s reading, regardless of its genre. You won’t even need to read it yourself.
4. Talk to her about shopping. I have to link this with the second item above because to Nica, “clothes” and “Koreans” go together. Enough said.
5. Discuss political and/or religious views with her. If you’re not up for a debate, then don’t. Just don’t. The kid has a degree in International Studies, so you may not win a way out of whatever opinion you may have. Nica takes these things to the next level; whoever dared will either be left dumbfounded or annoyed.
6. Confide in her. She may appear out of sorts sometimes, but this lady sure knows how to keep secrets. I knew this when for whatever reason, she called me, and asked me to find her in the ladies’ room. I didn’t know what was going on, but she suddenly burst into tears. I was clueless, but I tried to comfort her like an elder sister would. Nica is as vulnerable as I am, hence I don’t hesitate to confide in her whenever the need arises. We may not be the best of friends, but we sure know how to lend an ear and a shoulder to cry on like most good friends do.

Christmas 2012

I could come up with a longer list, but that would take so much of your time. Now, here’s my little farewell message to you, Nica:

You are an exceptional person. You are wise beyond your years. While you excel in a lot of ways, you also have moments when you’re slow on uptake. That is fine because you are still young. Well, you’re not getting any younger, but you possess the ability to learn through life’s experiences. I know you’re not afraid to take chances—resigning from your previous job was the first of the many opportunities that will come your way.

Remain humble. I cannot say this enough because I know you really are intelligent, but you also have to learn to be modest. Just do your thing, and let people realize [in their own ways] how valuable you are. Surprise them with what you got, Nic!

Last, but certainly not the least, invest on good friends, not on tangible things. People come and go. Every person you meet along the way may not be as significant as you expect them to be, but they may have taken part in your own play, your so-called life. Be grateful because you truly deserve the blessings that come your way.

We miss you already! Good luck and Happy First Day Funk!

For what it’s worth, I did all the above-mentioned with Nica. I know I failed miserably, but it sure was a friendship for keeps. No crying, young lady. I’ll see you in my wedding! ;)