This year my theme for the #MyFriendAlexa campaign is “This or That”. Here, I’ll be putting up a day-to-day scenario that mostly all of us face sometime or the other, along with two different ways in which we can react towards those scenarios – either “This” or “That”. So, let’s look at today’s scenario!
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“Miss Prarthana!”
“Yes. That’ll be me.”, Prarthana signalled to the server who stood on the other side of the counter at Starbucks calling out her name as her double espresso coffee was ready. Suddenly Prarthana heard her name being called out from another direction as well.
“Prarthana? Prarthana Tyagi? Is that you?”
She looked around to figure out where was her name being called from when she saw someone wave at her.
“Srishti? Oh my god! Hie! It’s been so long!”, said Prarthana as Srishti came closer and they greeted each other with a semi hug. Srishti and Prarthana had been school mates and were seeing each other after a long gap of 15 years. The two of them sat down to finish their respective coffees and 15 minutes into the conversation realized that they were on the same flight to Chennai.
They soon boarded their flight and took their conversation further ahead.
“So, Srishti what are you up to these days?”
“Well, I just left my corporate job and am currently exploring the world of network marketing.” Srishti continued to explain about the multi-level marketing firm she was working with and the advantages of working with one.
“Frankly speaking Srishti, I don’t believe in this module of earning money. I’ve done plenty of research on various companies with the networking business plans and have realized that it requires a lot of investment before the returns start coming in. And to add to it, many companies have shut down after taking investments from people, leaving them in huge debts. I am better off in my corporate slavery which I actually love.”, replied Prarthana with a smile. “However, I hope it works out for you. There’s no harm in trying after all. And I know your marketing and convincing skills have been great from the start, so, this must be really interesting for you.”
Srishti got a little uncomfortable upon hearing Prathana’s views about the business plan, and a little seed of abomination had been sewn for Prarthana somewhere inside her. “Oh I can’t be a part of only work and no fun working culture like you. And yes, I’ll make it work Prarthana. I’m having a little headache now, I guess I’ll take a nap.”, said a disinterested Srishti.
“Oh yes, Sure. And I know a few people who might be interested to join your line of business, I’ll definitely recommend your name to them.”, Prarthana replied in a genuinely polite tone.
After this encounter, let’s see how Prarthana and Srishti describe their meeting to their mutual friend, Aariv…
THIS: (Srishti’s point of view)
Srishti: I met Prarthana recently. She has become even more rude compared to what she was back in school.
Aariv: Why do you say that Srish?
Srishti: I told her about what I’m working on and she just went out and disagreed on everything I said! She went on about how network marketing field is a fraud and how people have been scammed in the past.
Aariv: Relax Srish. Prarthana is someone who has always spoken her mind but I know she never means ill for anyone. I think you’re reading too much into it.
Srishti: No, Aariv. You weren’t there when she strongly disagreed with everything I said in a demeaning tone. I’m glad I’m not in touch with her.

THAT: (Prarthana’s point of view)
Prarthana: You know what Aariv? I bumped into Srishti at an airport recently. I was so glad to catch up with her after so long.
Aariv: You did?
Prarthana: Yes. You must be knowing that she has taken up network marketing as a career. Although I don’t believe in that kind of a business plan, but I hope things work out for her. I referred her to a few of my known ones who were looking to get into the same field as hers.
Aariv: I’m surprised to hear that Prarthana! Srish told me a completely different story. Didn’t you find her rude?
Prarthana: Rude? What? No, not at all. We were just speaking our minds. We had different opinions on a subject but that doesn’t mean I declare her to be rude. I look forward to meet her again soon and know more about her experience in the field.

Surprised to hear completely different perspectives of the same conversation? Well, isn’t this what we all do? Do you too despise someone if you have a difference of opinion with them? Why can’t we just accept that different people have different perspectives, and it’s okay to still be friends with them.
To be honest, I am not someone who accepts a different perspective easily, but I’m trying my best to welcome various outlooks that don’t align with mine and not loathe the person at the same time. Do let me know how do you handle completely opposite perspectives!

You may read other episodes here:
Episode 4: Out of Love or Out of Fear?
I’m taking my blog to the next level with Blogchatter’s #MyFriendAlexa!
I thinks it’s about personality.. how we take things or how we want to accept a situation or may be how we want to acknowledge that situation.
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You have presented so beautifully and interestingly, an important aspect of how we perceive things and interpret as per our understanding. Loved this concept!
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This is very true for a lot of people. It is either you are with me or you are against me. I really like the concept of your series.
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Thank you so much Madhu😊😊
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It’s nice to read the three different perspectives…this is something that we can relate to in our daily lives. I must say this series of yours has been so interesting…looking forward to the next post.
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Thank you so much Ninu😊😊
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I am in love with your concept from the beginning. people are different and so are their perspectives. very nicely written & presented. Just being different is also an opinion.
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Thanks Chinmayee😊 Reading this makes me so happy!
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A unique idea for a blogpost. Liked the content and perspective you have presented
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Thank you so much 😊
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I love your theme so much. We have all been on both the sides you share. Reading your posts is making me rethink my reactions. Thank you.
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I’m overwhelmed to read that, Mayuri😊 Thanks for the response.
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Its all about the attitude. For some the glass is half full and for some half empty. Totally depends how one perceives and is conditioned. This has been an amazing theme and beautifully you put both the versions. Keep this superlative work going.
#MyFriendAlexa #ContemplationOfaJoker #Jokerophilia
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Thanks for such kind words Manas😊
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Your series of This or That is very interesting. Such real life situations.
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There is always a this or that for all of us. The choices we have to make? And how we weigh the pros and cons to make that decision. Well written post
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Thanks a lot 😊
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Just because you disagree with someone, doesn’t mean you can’t stay friends with them. I too cannot accept different perspectives easily but at the end of the day, it;s their opinion. I don’t let it affect the friendship.
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I’m glad to hear that Lancelot😊
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Yes, Nitsha, it’s so difficult to accept that the other has a different opinion and does not go by your rules and ethics. I am too practising to accept others as easily and fast as I can but it’s difficult.
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I have been following your series and have found it very interesting. Writing the same story from different perspectives is quite a feat and you have aced it! Keep writing!
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I’m overwhelmed to read this! Thank you for such kind words 😊
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I think a true friend will always tell you the truth about your decisions and will not agree with everything. If you are wrong or they have a different perspective they should speak their mind. I do not think that’s rude. It’s just about how much you understand each other.
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Exactly Aesha! Thanks for reading 😊
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I strongly believe in speaking my mind freely with close friends, or with those who are ready to hear my views (unbiased) Again, it depends on personal equations, this situation could be this or that and both are right.
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Yes, different people react differently which is totally fine.
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Yes, I too know my fair share of people who outright wont accept anybody elses views and opinions. But I am happy that Im not that way. I like to view things from all perspectives. I loved your writing style.
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Thanks Ginia. Glad to hear that 😊
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You have shared the message so wonderfully. I am also trying to incorporate this in my life, if we change our thinking then a lot of things can become very easy in life.
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Absolutely Mahek. I’m glad to hear that😊
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Actually I do. But there is a way to disagree to someone. You can’t just shut the whole idea of someone doing something you don’t agree with.
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Exactly Nazish. Thanks for reading 😊
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As a true friend Prasthana expressed her views instantly but Srishti’s prospects was different and she took it differently. This is again a very common issue in our daily life….Nitisha your selection of topics are really amazing in which very common issues of today’s life are expressed nicely. Good read.
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So glad to hear such detailed review. Thank you for stopping by 😊
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