Jayashree

When I had said I wanted “to make peace with a friend”, I was going through a slightly tough time with a friend. I’ve known this guy for a little over two years – the first year, we corresponded through chat as he was in another country. And now, he’s back in Mumbai for good, I think! Things went pretty well initially, met a few times, shared a few laughs, loved and hated his unpredictability… Then discovered he was not so perfect after all. His flaws seemed to get to me.

Last month, we had a major argument over something and it got ugly. I never felt so hurt in my entire life… Maybe I expected way too much from him. Maybe I wanted him to be like me. So many people have asked me why I still tolerate his mood swings. I have no answer… And NO, I’m not in love with him. Yes, I love him, BUT not in love with him.

After I wrote that I wanted to make peace with him, it seemed almost miraculous… we got talking a lot more because of work (since we work at the same place now) and then generally about this and that! His laughter is infectious and I don’t think I could have gone through any more days without being able to laugh at his silly jokes or just be sarcastic in a fun way about stuff. Missed the way we would look at each other in the eye and then burst out laughing for absolutely no reason.

Thank you 43things.com for letting me just be! And now, we’re at peace and ease.

I was introduced to alcohol rather late in life. But then all good things come to those who wait, right? Vodka may be Russian in origin, and there are so many brands of vodka out there. But for me, vodka is about finding my solace when I’m down and out… its about me being me! Vodka is my preferred drink because it can be had straightforward and it can also be part of a cocktail ;) much like me in a way… Its simple and complicated all the same time.

So, here I am… raising a toast to my favourite drink. And no prizes for guessing what’s in my glass as I raise this toast :)

Signed,
Vodkaholic for life

I’m 27, live in India… its pretty normal for Indians to live with their parents in their late-20s and even beyond. I’ve always wanted to have a space I call my own… without the interference of anyone, especially family. There are two aspects to my idea of moving out:

1. To move out because I want to be truly independent, to be able to explore the world on my terms, and to live life the way I want to.

2. To move out because I’m fed up of my parents constantly reminding me that I’m “not married even though I’m 27”, that I’m “not really bothered about them”, and that I’m “too lazy for housework”.

So there… I need to find my own space – physically, intellectually and emotionally!

Once I told my mom that I wanted to buy my own house, as in… I’ve always dreamed of a home for myself. You know what she said? “Get married and do what you want!” Aaaargh!

So, any Indians out there who can share their experiences of moving out, please help! And these have got to be simple people like me, not someone who comes from an affluent family! I just need to know how to go about telling my parents that I want to do this without offending them.