Strangers clap the loudest

Strangers clap the loudest. I’ve always thought that the people around you would be the ones who cheer the loudest, but the thing about life is that every day brings its own special lesson, and that’s just the irony – it’s just life.

Through different milestones and phases, it would appear that there’s a hidden or rather subtle statement in the minds of people, almost like a silent reminder that everyone wants you to prosper, but you dare not do it so loud. You know how the most common prayers and best wishes are fulfillment and happiness, but don’t confuse things; I guess they mean it. Still, if we were to dissect it with honesty, it would read: I want you to be happy, but not too happy, not happier than I am. I wish you prosperity and money, but I don’t want to think that you’d have it more than I do.

You see, I’m a person with few friends, life has forged it so, and I dare say I’ve always been a strong believer in quality over quantity. So, if it means I get two good ones in 7 billion people, I truly would be happy. Okay, maybe that’s a thin snap, but 5 in 7 billion would be okay if I counted my husband in that number.

But anyways, I say that to say that I’ve always believed that true friends are a gift and to earn that title meant you understood that friendship to a degree has a level of expectations, a degree of care and a sense of concern and true delight in the success of one another – that in my books is the definition of friendship. I’ll write one on that sometime.

So, with an understanding of what a friend should be, it would seem that in some cases, in disadvantaged cases, why then do friends not celebrate each other? It’s almost like a stink in the air when there’s plenty of bloom, and somehow everyone’s not too empathetic and living when it’s chaos. I would never understand that. It almost seems as tho we’re suddenly in a time when friends secretly or subtly hate you so much, but yet it’s not on the list of their options to walk away. It’s funny when you think about it, it truly is. Picture a person who hates carrots but always wants to buy them – make it make sense.

To be fair, some people were just wired differently. Cut and join and twisted circuits with something just sparking in their head, but still seeming normal on the outside. Perhaps it’s the world we live in; I bet we’ve all heard stories of the unspeakable things friends have done to one another. Maybe it’s a glitch in the foundational years where parents who don’t know raise children who won’t know. Who am I, really, to have all the answers?

All I know is that in life, the strangers seem to be the ones who’ll clap the loudest. Christ knew what he meant when he said a prophet is not respected in his own land. It’s taken too long for even me to get to that hard truth and come to terms with it. Some people are weird, I don’t know why, but they are. So, to anyone occasionally worried about the lack of support or encouragement when you’re becoming, don’t sweat it – don’t worry at all. This is the one time I’ll say it’s not you, it’s them – this only applies if you’re a good friend. I know that title is subjective, but we get the point.

Don’t feel bad, don’t get sad that it seems that no one’s genuinely happy for your wins – trust me, this one’s not a sign of some generational offence, it’s just life and people and time and season. If you’re fortunate to have one good friend, one whose face lights up when they see you, one who sheds tears of joy and who holds your hands when you’re lost, cherish them. These good ones are the rarest you’ll find. The numbers are filled with those who secretly compete and silently wish each other harm. When you find a good friend, tried and tested with time and season, keep them for life, as everyone needs one.

Strangers cheer the loudest; it’s too many reasons why, but for now, understand this and continue living your life with purpose.

PS: I did something with my love for cooking. Check it out

Strangers cheer the loudest.