Greetings-A-Gaga

I am often irritated when upon meeting friends (and acquaintances) who I haven't seen for a long time greet me with this statement:

"Hi... Are you rich now?"


I mean, common. Let's be civilized here. I haven't seen you for a long time and you can't even ask how I am and where I have been all these years? I know that Ethics (with a capital E) is refined as Experiences (with a capital E)grow, and that common sense should prevail at all times (note that common sense is not even italicized -- it is just that it isn't common these days). But wouldn't the natural thing be when meeting long lost friends --- just being happy you've found each other?

I had this friend from med-school days who I have recently met while pushing my grocery cart (where else but SM city?) and guess what he asked me: "I heard you are rich now, is that true?"

I answered: "indi a. makasarang lang.." (roughly translated as : You bet your sweet ass, I am!)

In Ethiopia, one of my favorite places in the world, people when they meet have the traditional hug and handshake. And as a sign of respect, ask the person ten times how he is... Redundant but very endearing.

In Vanuatu, my 'family' would give me a big hug (more of a huge squeeze, really)to show their happiness in seeing me.

So going back to the weird way my friends greet me, I become defensive and often times snobbish. I hate this feeling as this develops into hate....later I would find myself locking my wandering butt in the house for fear of meeting old friends and be defensive about their paranoia of me being rich.

Maybe I should wear a t-shirt saying: I'm not rich, but I am definitely famous.

.... or maybe just the shirt which says: "Fuck off".

God! The travails of going home!