What's Your Priority - A Relationship Or An Opportunity?

You know what I hate the most, I hate it when I follow my inner confidence or what’s it called, yeah, gut-feeling, in spite of others warning me against it and then I fall flat on my face only to hear the four dreadful words – “We told you so”.

On the weekend I watched Kaise Kahein, frankly speaking the movie wasn’t very impressive however it did put forth a very critical dilemma. A question that I always thought I had an answer, only to later realize when actually faced with it, I am as shit as the deer caught in the headlights – where does your loyalty lie, with a relationship (be it family, a friend or a companion) or towards an opportunity that you have been waiting for from a very long time?

If the topic was ever discussed between closed ones or friends – I always sided “Opportunity”, my thinking was simple; if the relationship really mattered to the other party, if I really mattered to him/her then they would realize the importance of my dream and take a step back and thereby let me take one forward. But what I didn't take into account here was how would I react if I were the 'other party' instead?

They say matters of the heart are often complicated and that's exactly what I realized when I placed myself on the opposite side. The feeling of being put aside for a materialistic opportunity (money, fame, recognition, whatever) by someone you emotionally connect with is, in ordinary words, excruciatingly painful. It's like witnessing your heart being slashed out of your chest and stabbed a million times. But what's even more pathetic is feeling caught up between the guilt of being selfish, betrayal and actually wanting to do what's best for the other. Just like a pendulum, emotions swing from one extreme to another without ever halting on an objective ground.

And so now when I look at the same question again – I find myself leaning more towards "Relationship". I guess it all depends on how YOU act and not on how you would like the other person to. We have seen it a million times in our Hindi philums - the importance of parents, a good friend, and partner or for that matter any relationship; they are far more valuable assets and therefore can should never be given up. As for opportunities, well, they will never stop coming; and even if you do miss the big one, at least you will have a shoulder to cry on.

The above are just my ramblings; I do realize actions and reactions differ from situation to situation. Anyway, if affected, then do let me know of your thoughts.