"We are not the same persons this year as last; nor are those we love.
It is a happy chance if we, changing, continue to love a changed person"
W. Somerset Maugham
It has been a while since 2012 set in, but I haven't been able to get the above lines out of my mind.
Over time relationships undergo a transformation. With some people we become increasingly comfortable, familiarity smooths the initial kinks, and the connection strengthens. In other cases those who once held prime importance for us, fade out of our lives at a later stage. This disappearance could be simply a derivative of our busyness or a shift of priorities. In rare instances the decision to keep away is even intentional.
Whatever the reason for the distance, we may occasionally look back, ponder over how it happened and even try to bridge the gap. However, any such attempt would be fruitless if the desire to restore things to former glory isn't mutual.
In Hindi there is a saying: taali ek haath se nahi bajti (you cannot clap with just one hand). It takes two to tango. So is the case with maintaining ties in their true spirit. The effort has to come from both sides.
If the person in front is unwilling to reach for your outstretched hand and has closed his/her heart, then what can be done? You come out feeling foolish and worse still, deeply saddened.
Not only is it a happy chance to be able to keep loving a changed person, but to have them continue to love you back.
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PS: What should one do to make this happy chance actually possible?
