I’ve had a few exes. My first relationship was quite traumatic, and I didn’t bother seeking closure at the time. However, she and I eventually talked things through and found closure later on but never talk again.

This friend I’m talking about now is different. she’s a really good friend. Because she’s very busy and lives far from me in Malaysia, I made the mistake of relying too much on online conversations with her. Eventually confessing my feelings.....and then we went our separate ways. That’s all in the past.

Even though I’m now married with kids, I’ve been dealing with health issues, worries and a lot of negative thoughts lately. She is the first person who understood right away even after 10+ years of separation. She could tell I was concerned about my family, my kids and the future because of my health issues, and she gave me pretty good advices.

Most of the time, my male friends don’t take these sensitive topics seriously. Either they joke about it or brush them off, 'relax bro'. Female friends tend to be more understanding. Men and women can be friends, not everything has to be something more (romantic way, etc).

I know my boundaries, and those past things make me realize that I’ve learned to value the friendship more than ever.