Amigos

Yep! Male friends. I am glad I have them. Why? They give you a less complicated view of certain things. (opps..sorry fellow ladies) They tell you like it is. Rarely do they overanalyze, if at all, they do. I consider it a huge blessing to have these few good men who are genuinely concerned in me as a person and more importantly, as a woman. I have been gifted with friends who regard me as their equal yet still consider me as the gentler gender. They are men who are instinctively nice and considerate of women across the board, not just towards women that they are romantically interested in.

I have one male friend at the office who drops by my workstation few times a week for a 5-minute chat. This guy has always been generous in giving encouragements and showing concern. His selflessness allows him to sense the needs of the people around him. You will know sincerity when you see one. Believe me, those 5-minute visits fill my emotional tank to the brim!

And another ex-officemate who, although an ocean away, still manage to drop an email or send a message to say any mundane thing that pops in his mind. And another one who calls me up and being an expressive man that he is, never fails to say “How are you? “ or a “Tol miss na kita ah!” Still another who, together with his wife, invites me over for dinner just to catch up. And another who sends me a message via YM even though he knows I am usually offline. Or the one who usually sends this message, “’Musta?” Then he would call but not after asking for my landline for the umpteenth time.

I have a few other friends who regularly drop an email or give a quick call either for some updates on “serious” stuff or just for some nonsensical exchanges. What mattered was the moment allotted for me. That they remembered me. The topic is secondary.

I have such high regard for men who know that women ought to be handled with care and respect. You see that in the way they communicate, both verbal and nonverbal. I admire them more for not being quick to judge you as having romantic leanings.

I do value a man’s point of view. During painful situations, talking to guy friends help me hasten the healing process. There is nothing like the masculine point of view to pull you out of the depths of sadness and to re-build your dwindling self-esteem just by their presence.

Most of the time, these men unknowingly give me important lessons just by listening to them and learning how their minds work. Amazing how different they are. Such an interesting breed ..err.. specie. In fact, I am not surprised to know that, although I gave this site to them, only a few really take time to read my blog! (except maybe this entry…..)

People spending time with me, whether personal or virtual, is right smack at the center of the love language that affects me most. With my lady friends, spending time is easy. For men, it can be a bit of an effort. An effort well appreciated.

True, I have more female friends. Definitely, the more personal topics I choose to share with my gal pals. My girlfriends, coming from different backgrounds and carrying varied personality types, are lovely fixtures that color my life’s shelves. And my male friends? Equally lovely fixtures. My glass-encased shelves won’t as beautiful without them.

Amigos. I say keep them, even when you already are in a committed relationship.

A significant other who forbids you from keeping them….well…may not be significant after all.

Salute!