I was at the gym when I ran into a guy whom I have always exchanged greetings with, yet never got to speak to at lengths. He is an extremely friendly man, and he had, in the past, gave me a few training tips.

Last night, unlike the usual, I was alone. So we had a chat. It was more like series of quick questions about my training schedule and my diet. We planned to maybe train together, as I figured that I need help on the heavier weights. Conversation took on more of a casual nature, and he asked if I swim or my preferences for beer, red wine or white wine. He told me that I am welcomed to drop by his place if I ever felt like having a swim or wine.

My friend asked me if he is gay.

There are two possibilities: One, he is gay; the other, he is not. And I have quite a knack for attracting all the weird people. Both possibilities being very real, it does not equate that they being gay will bring harm to me, or that they being straight will not. Often, our fears are series of loosely, irrational associations.

Is it right to cast suspicion over the goodwill of others? Should we live in fear? Do we want to?

Weeks ago, my ex-girlfriend and I were waiting for our buses at Bishan bus interchange. After minutes of waiting, I noticed on the signboard that the last bus for me had already left. A young girl about the age of fifteen, oblivious to the fact, was the only other figure behind me in the queue.

I approached her to tell her that the bus had left, she looked a little shocked. Teenagers her age, have limited income and paying for the cab fare home might be a little heavy for her. She lives at Serangoon Central which is technically within walking distance. The journey would be about 5km; roughly the usual distance for my past jogs. A brisk walk will only take her about 40 minutes or so. However, I offered to send her home on cab, the condition being that I have to wait for my ex-girlfriend to board her bus first.

To show that I meant her no harm, I proposed that she take the front seat. After being given the directions, the cab driver asked me why we are not sitting together. I told him that I do not know her.

I still do not know her name, and I do not need to.

I wanted to drop her off near my place and ask her to walk home, which is only 2 stops away, but she complained that it was too far away.

Kids nowadays…

In any case, would it not be sad if none of us trust each other? Some say that trust is earned. But I trust because…

”Because I choose to.”
Keanu Reeves as Neo
Matrix Revolutions

I quote the Matrix Revolutions because it is appropriate for this situation, not because I like it. In fact, I hate it.