Let's not play games

“She needs to realise who she is losing. Stop responding to her texts.”

Yes, that’s the advice one girl gave to someone I know.

Let’s call that someone Mimi. Mimi was in a long-standing “conflict” like situation with an old friend who meant a lot to her, they were in regular contact. Until she heard this really unreasonable advice from her new girl friend.

Now some of you might argue that people don’t realise the value of something until they lose it.

And while I’m not denying that, I would strongly advise against playing any kind of ‘mind games’, especially when it involves someone you genuinely care about.

We live in a world where internet is full of advice - “5 ways to impress someone”, “7 ways to get the perfect relationship you’re looking for”, “10 hacks to build your own friend circle.”

While some content on social advice is fairly reasonable and valuable, most isn’t. I bet you don’t need me to tell you this but - what you’re hearing is not gospel coming straight from the Lord. Take it with a pinch of salt…sometimes even a bucket full of salt.

Look, I’m not denying the workability of mind games. They could work in all likelihood and get you selfish results that you want. But only short term.

And ask yourself this - would you really like to play this manipulation manoeuvre on someone close to you? someone you care about? I’m sure the answer is no. Because if the answer is yes, you should be questioning your “closeness” with the said person.

Now I’m aware that most readers reading this newsletter are in their early or mid twenties, and these are truly the testing times. Things will not always go your way, you will lose people, you will have phases where you feel lost and confused. But look at it this way - you’ll also find yourself, what YOU are all about, you might find your way back to the things and people who were dear to you, and sometimes you might part ways for good. But whatever happens, let things take their natural flow. If you’re trying to pursue something, do it fairly and transparently. Lies, manipulation, and mind games WILL NOT serve you in the longer run.

What are your views on this? Some food for thought.