Just two weeks ago i had a strongly-worded confrontation and de-conflict session with my work counterpart in NS. Worst thing is our boss caught us in the heated argument and i expected a tricky time trying to explain the occurence of the confrontation.

However, what really struck me was that our boss let us sort things out at our own time, then he asked one simple question: "So are you guys still friends?"

That question really struck me dumb as i completely didn't expect that to pop from his mouth. Taken at a surfacial and practical pov, i initially thought he was concerned whether we were friends as far as whether our work commitment to him would be affected. But i dismissed that notion almost as fast as it took root in my mind.

Then i was taken aback at such an unexpected and weird question. I thought he would immediately grill me for the rationale for such a 'misdemeanour' in the highest office in the unit.

But no, he was sincerely concerned whether we were still friends, regardless of the tangible, corporate culture of that de-conflict session. All these thoughts raced through my mind within milliseconds,as i snapped myself out of itand answered meekly " Yes Sir, we're still friends".

That answer seemed to satisfy him as he drained his glass and went about his usual work. But that set me thinking real deep. On an afterthought, i felt it was real nice that he asked us such a sincere question of concern. With that one simple question i was touched and also realised that my boss was subtly teaching me a life lesson.

He had shown me that what really mattered at the end of any arhument, was whether the involved parties could still be friends, amd walk out of the argument still friends. Credible results and whether the argument was resolved aside, he showed me that the real important thing that should persist from any argument, was the endearing frienship.

Perhaps i am seeing too much into that simple, single ambiguous question. But what i can meaningfully infer from his unexpectedly unobjective and personal question is that there is much more to life than it seems.

Just like what he says, "workload never ends", let's just try to have fun and enjoy our work in our remaining days in this office. I do treasure and respect the unique relationship forged amongst the 3 of us in this special office, whether professional or personal.

Somewhat i realise we take too much things for granted in life. Perhaps sometimes if we slow down a little in this rat race and take a good look at things and people around us that really matter, we will be able to find more meaning in the seemingly mundane everyday things that subtly teach us invaluable life lessons.