, then to be understood.

I've learned this well last week, when my friend shared with me her troubles, something that she would never share with anyone else. It was through that conversation that I started to understand her more, her decisions and her actions. And I finally understood all her words, everything she once spoke to me. In the past, I always took her words lightly, thinking that it was merely excuses for her laziness. So I take every opportunity to stretch her limits, and hoping that she would understand my intention of helping her grow.

But never did I know how hard life had been on her, the amount of burden she has to share at such a young age. It is indeed overwhelming, but it was never a choice for her. I felt so helpless that I couldn't do anything, except to listen patiently to all her troubles. But at least, now when I hear this from her "Sorry, I can't", I would understand why.


Lesson learnt: Seek first to understand, then to be understood