Expatriates who work for Malé City Council set up lights to decorate Maldives' capital island in preparation for Eid which is today. I pray and wish for peace and blessings for everyone. Amen. 
Friday, June 06, 2025
LIFE IN VIDEOS: Eid Mubarak from Maldives
Sunday, June 01, 2025
SHORT STORY: Lifelong Happiness
By Hilath Rasheed (Dec 2004)
Mirah looked down. The grey ground looked inviting. In fact, anything would have been inviting at this point other than life, living.
“What do you think you are doing!”
Mirah turned around. He was surprised that anybody would come up the terrace at this time of the day.
“Why can’t you stay at home for a weekend once?” Mirah almost shouted. He was quite upset that his carefully planned plunge was interrupted.
“Hey, buddy. I see I’m not the one who needs a vacation here.” Madih took a puff from the joint he was smoking, and with his other hand, took hold of Mirah’s arm, and slowly helped him down.
“I…” Mirah trailed off. He looked at the terrace floor.
“Help me!” he cried suddenly. His knees felt weak. He held onto Madih and Madih held onto him.
“Come on. Let’s get you a coffee.” Madih helped Mirah walk down the fire escape.
***
“How can I find what I am looking for?” Mirah took a long swig of the sweet hard black coffee and savored it.
“What are you looking for exactly?” Madih was observing him closely.
“Lifelong happiness,” Mirah said slowly.
“Lifelong happiness…” Madih echoed the phrase slowly as if giving it deep thought.
He was not too happy that his sunrise this morning was ruined because he had to save Mirah from himself.
Now as they sat at the elevated Dolphin View café, he found Mirah’s round face basked in golden light, much like a sun itself, but a poor substitute.
One or two guys in office attire were the only customers at this early hour. Two cups of coffee sat on their table, nothing more. Yuppies, Madih thought. Or probably the waiter is late with their breakfast, he thought, promising to tackle his cynicism some day. Chill up, he told himself silently.
“Nice phrase, huh,” Mirah said.
“What?” Madih asked when his train of thought was interrupted.
“I said, nice phrase,” Mirah said, and then forgot what he was going to say next when he realized that he was making fun of himself.
“You were always the writer,” Madih replied.
He did not say anything for a few seconds.
“I think I have the answer for that,” he said after a while.
“What’s that?” Mirah asked with a tinge of excitement in his voice.
“I am going to Bangkok for a few days.”
“The answer’s in Bangkok?”
“No. No. I have the answer with me but I will tell you only after I return from Bangkok,” Madih replied.
“Why are you going to Bangkok?”
“Oh, the usual.” Another puff. “Buy clothes for bro’s store.”
“When will you be back?”
“Probably a week later.”
“I don’t think I can wait.”
“You have to.”
“Why?”
“Because I have the answer.”
“Alright.”
“Meantime, you will try to figure it out.”
“How’s that?” Mirah frowned.
“I don’t know. Ask around I guess.”
***
Muju sat down heavily on the wooden stool that served as an uncomfortable "sofa" at Esjehi Gallery cafe. He loosened his tie. It was damn hot. And though this was an open-air restaurant, it was right in the middle of the island, with only a few trees providing shade. The few rays which broke through the shade stung his bare arm making him itch. And to add to his discomfort, Esjehi Gallery did not offer proper lunch. He had to do with a few pieces of pizza and cake though his stomach growled loudly. Damn, Muju thought. Everyone must be hearing that.
Mirah sat facing him.
“Buddy,” he began, “I need to ask you something real serious. Don’t take me for a psycho, OK?”
“Alright.”
Mirah held Muju’s eyes squarely as he began. “I was talking to Madih the other day about finding lifelong happiness.”
Muju smiled. “I know where you getting at. Haven’t we had this conversation before?”
“No. No. This time it’s different. Madih says he knows the answer to finding lifelong happiness.”
“Oh,” Muju sounded disappointed. “I’ve always thought that nobody can be ecstatic at all times.”
“No,” Mirah began quite animatedly, “I am not looking for a perpetual high or eternal numbness of my mind. I just want some basic things to make me happy that others take for granted.”
“Like what?” Muju asked.
The coffees arrived then.
“For example…” Mirah emphasized the word “example”, looked up, looked sideways, and then at Muju. “Hmm… let’s see. I need someone to make me happy for example.”
Muju lighted up. “You must now have a pretty good idea of what that person would be like,” he said.
“I guess in my mind it will always be a fantasy image of the person. In real life, nobody can live up to that image.”
“The problem is that the person who interests you have to fit and act according to the way you want him or her to act.”
“Him…?” Mirah trailed off because he knew better.
“OK, I know that there’s no such thing as a perfect person. But I am not asking for much. All I want is some basic happinesses that all others seem to enjoy.”
“How do you know all others are happy? They have their own problems,” Muju replied.
“Sure, they do. But they are not bitter to the extent that I have become. Look at them. They smile more often they frown. As for me, I don’t see anything that I should be happy about. People said that technology and development will make life easy but look at us. Little things have become so complicated and we are perpetually trying to solve new problems created by technology and development. In the meantime, we are holing up ourselves surrounded by all these gadgets and entertainment that now we have no time to socialize and develop human contact. I hate SMS and I hate IRC! All this is causing so much stress and depression that humans did not have earlier when life was simpler and uncomplicated. Isn’t it a paradox that all this technology and development were sought in the first place because we humans wanted to make life easier for us? Now isn’t that ironic?”
Muju sat for a while without answering, then he said, “You've been watching too much Heyyanbo.”
***
“Mirah! We've had this conversation before!” Mazdoog protested as he readied to sink into a hard wooden chair at West Park cafetaria.
The setting sun cast an orange glow on everything around them. Single couples and mixed couples occupied the tables nearest the seawall. Romancing under the coconut trees, Mazdoog thought.
“Sit. Sit.” Mirah insisted. “I need to ask you something really important.”
“What’s that?”
“Let me get some coffee first.” Mirah waved over a waiter and gave order for two black coffees.
“Make it hard,” he told the waiter.
He turned to Mazdoog. He put on his serious face. “What I am doing wrong with my life?”
“How would I know?” Mazdoog protested.
He lighted up a Mild Seven, relaxed and leaned back.
He saw that a few tables were occupied by groups of young heroin addicts, their eyes blood-shot slits. My dear Parteys, it is a shame you cannot properly open your eyes to watch this beautiful sunset, Mazdoog thought. But then again, maybe you have seen more, he thought.
“Ok,” he looked at Mirah. “What you are doing wrong is that you are actually doing nothing about it.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean what I said.”
“And that is?”
Mazdoog turned to look at the sun which had half sunk below Vilingili.
He turned back to Mirah. “You should stop spreading yourself around.”
“What does that mean?” Mirah looked bewildered.
“You should stop making yourself available to everyone and concentrate on building quality relationships.”
“Quality relationships…” Mirah trailed.
“Nice phrase,” he said after a while.
Mazdoog took a sip of his coffee and drew on his smoke. “You are a very accessible person. You strike up friendships and relationships easily with everyone you meet wherever, whenever. But what I am saying is that you should concentrate on a few and develop strong relationships rather than spreading yourself thin.”
“Spreading yourself thin.” Mirah echoed.
Mazdoog continued, “You should spend more time with whom you think you can take your relationship to the next level.”
Mirah did not reply.
Mazdoog took a sip of his coffee. “And another thing,” he said, “I think you should have a quality relationship with people of both genders.”
Mirah opened his mouth to say something but Mazdoog interrupted. “This is just a suggestion, you know, since you said that you didn’t want to miss out on anything. This way you’ll know what makes you really happy.”
***
“Why can’t you do anything about it?” Mihad asked as he took another sip of his hard black coffee. He had planned to call it a day earlier but the call from Mirah sounded urgent. But all of Mirah’s calls sounded urgent. That was him. What could he be up to now? To hell with sleep, Mihad thought to himself.
The surfs off Lonuziyaaraiy Kolhu were crashing hard on the tetrapod seawall, driven by the harsh Northeast Monsoon wind, creating a perpetual din that blanketed the silence that otherwise surrounded Tuscaloosa Café at midnight.
A few couples were hanging around the café but nobody would think of sitting on the seawall because of the salt spray.
“There are things that come naturally to you,” Mirah said to Mihad as another surf crash boomed into the seawall.
“And there are things that you have to put an effort into. But the sad thing is, even if you try very hard, sometimes nothing will strike the right chord to make something really happen.”
Mihad took out a Marlboro Light. “You could start by thinking at this point on doing something that you personally can be proud of. That would take your mind off whatever’s troubling you.”
“True, but that would only be a diversion. I would have to confront myself ultimately.”
“True. But I still think you should always be involved in some high-quality creative work that you can be proud of.”
“And what would that be?”
Mihad let out a long puff of smoke. “You could do some critical research work. You could write a book. You could make a film. Anything that you would be really proud of yourself.”
“I don’t think I will ever win the Booker Prize or the Oscar,” Mirah protested.
“You don’t have to. All you need is to be able to feel really happy about yourself that you did something that you think is good. It doesn’t matter what others think of you, whether you are cool or not. You don’t have to measure up to them. You have to feel good about yourself. About being yourself.”
***
“Why are we here?” Madih asked, though he already knew the answer.
Mirah looked weary. “I feel so lonely.”
“Why are we here?” Madih asked again.
“I am so tired.”
Madih took hold of Mirah’s shoulders and shook him a little. “WHY ARE WE MEETING HERE ON THIS TERRACE AGAIN?” Madih emphasized every word.
Mirah looked at him sadly. “Because this is the moment of truth,” he said.
Then he doubled over, surprising Madih.
“Shit! I just can’t believe I said that!” Mirah roared. “That’s a terrible cliché!”
Madih did not look amused. “Glad that you recognized that it was a cliché,” he said sarcastically.
Mirah stopped and looked up at Madih. “What do you mean?”
“You recognize what’s wrong with you.” Madih was looking at him intently. “You know who you really are. And you know what you want.”
Mirah was silent.
“In fact,” Madih went on, “you would have pretty much come to terms with yourself when you were young.”
“I am still young,” Mirah insisted.
“Narcissist.”
“I’m not!”
Mirah straightened up. He walked over to the edge. He could hear the sound of passing vehicles. Vroom, vroom, vroom.
The street below was still dark. But he will soon get to bask in the sunrise.
“Alright. Tell me. What is the secret for lifelong happiness?” Mirah turned towards Madih.
“Eternal happiness?” Madih said slowly. “That could only be got if you could become God.”
Mirah blinked. “I don’t think anybody ever has become a god.”
“My point exactly.”
Mirah frowned. He turned his back to Madih and looked down below. The grey bricks of the street looked inviting. He stepped onto the edge of the terrace.
Then he looked up. Specks of fluffy white clouds dotted the sky which seemed a little bluer today.
The horizon across the sea was streaked by a single blazing red line. The sun must already be rising, Mirah thought.
It was going to be a beautiful day.
He hesitated.
Saturday, May 31, 2025
LIFE IN PICTURES: Expat life in Maldives
EID MUBARAK FROM MALDIVES: An expatriate works in a team employed by the Maldives government in setting up light decorations across the capital island Malé for the upcoming Islam's Adha Eid festival marked by Muslims across the world in commemoration of the conclusion of the pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia's Mecca. (VIEW IMAGE IN LARGE FORMAT)
Tuesday, April 22, 2025
Monday, April 21, 2025
An anti-Maldives article in The Jerusalem Post by a believing Jew - what more can I expect? Goosebumps?
Read this article titled: Maldives: A destination that bans Israelis, would you book a vacation there? - opinion
The subheadline reads: How long will it take before the Israeli ban broadens into the total exclusion of all Jews, no matter where they hail from?
The Bible-quoting writer, Cookie Schwaeber-Issan, is described as "a former Jerusalem elementary and middle school principal. She is also the author of Mistake-Proof Parenting, available on Amazon, based on the time-tested wisdom found in the Book of Proverbs."
What we have here is a believing Jew who thinks God is going to punish the Maldives President, the Maldives Parliament, and the Maldives Citizens, for "cursing" Jews, God's so-called "chosen" people, and God's so-called "chosen" land called Israel.
When unthinking, ignorant and arrogant people like this Cookie express their skewed opinions under the democratic right of free speech, one might wonder, why does God favor one race over the others? Why then did He create all kinds of races? What's so special about Jews anyway? But I guess this kind of logic can't be realized by a believing Jew.
Some interesting excerpts from the article:
The Maldives, a magnificent paradise that embodies the most sought-after and luxurious heavenly destinations, is being governed by the evilest of regimes, willing to disavow God, who has warned against the devastating effects for anyone who holds his beloved Israel in contempt.
In such cases, the Almighty has given us a foreshadowing of how He will respond to such acts: “I am exceedingly jealous for Zion; yes, with great wrath I am jealous for her. (Zech. 8:2)...
Nonetheless, the war has provided an acceptable outlet to rail against God’s chosen. But now that it’s out in the open, the Maldives should also be prepared to face the consequences of their actions, because their decision doesn’t go unnoticed.
Genesis 12:3, the scripture that clearly reminds us that anyone who curses Israel will themselves be cursed, is still in effect, bringing the resulting punishment upon those who hate the people and the land that God created for Himself.
Should I shudder with fear?
Quotable quote
"She wouldn't admit it - she might not even realize it herself, but she's the kind of person who would feel beholden to me. She would think I need her. When what I really need is for her to be happy, whether it's with me, or alone, or with someone else."
-- Ali Hazelwood, "Bride"
Sunday, April 20, 2025
FILM REVIEW: “All We Imagine As Light”
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Released date: 2024
This is a poetic, magical, and deeply human portrait of women seeking connection in an indifferent world.
Payal Kapadia’s “All We Imagine As Light” is a luminous and deeply intimate Malayalam-language film that quietly redefines modern Indian arthouse cinema. Set in the teeming heart of Mumbai, this India’s first Cannes Grand Prix-winning gem tells the story of three women — Prabha, Anu, and Parvaty — as they navigate love, loss, and longing in a city that rarely offers space for personal dreams.
While its language shifts between Malayalam, Hindi, and Marathi, the film speaks a universal emotional dialect. Kapadia’s direction leans toward poetic realism — blending the starkness of everyday life with moments of magical introspection, where the ordinary flickers with a sense of the extraordinary. The title itself hints at this — light isn’t just a visual element here, but a metaphor for hope, clarity, and self-discovery.
Kapadia’s women are not sketched for drama, but for depth. Prabha’s imagined reconciliation with her estranged husband, Anu’s quiet defiance of social barriers for love, and Parvaty’s return to her village all form a mosaic of self-liberation. The film’s ending avoids tidy conclusions, favoring emotional release and personal agency over resolution.
The cinematography is remarkable in its naturalism. Nighttime cityscapes, dim hospital corridors, and sunlit windows are all rendered in an unvarnished, human light, free from Hollywood gloss. Kapadia’s visual storytelling captures the women’s internal landscapes as much as the external one — none more so than in the dreamlike final sequence, where the women gather in a seaside shack lit with strings of soft bulbs, mirroring the stars above. It’s a gentle, breathtaking symbol of connection and belonging.
“All We Imagine As Light” isn’t spiritual in the religious sense, but its meditative exploration of connection, healing, and hope radiates an inner light all its own. For fans of magical realism and quiet cinematic beauty, this film is a must-see.
Saturday, April 19, 2025
A heart-warming piece about India's tea culture
No other tea beats India's cha for me.
Here's an interesting feature by Al Jazeera: ‘I always come here’: The Indian tea shop that runs on trust
A hole-in-the-wall tea shop in West Bengal founded by a freedom fighter is run by regular customers when the owner’s out.
“The tea shop remains an enduring symbol of tradition, community living and a love for tea. Every morning and evening, people are drawn not just by the tea, but by a profound sense of belonging and shared history.”
I'm definitely going to watch "Chhaava" especially after the riots but...
... I have also researched into the inaccuracies a film adaption can always have due to taking liberties in order to dramatize true events into a movie. So, I think I am now ready to watch this movie without bias and prejudice.
Read this interesting article by CNN: He’s been dead for more than 300 years. So why is this emperor angering millions today?
Check "Chhaava" information from Wikipedia.
Thursday, April 17, 2025
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
India's writer Arundhati Roy on being unpopular, standing alone.
WATCH: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHyzMKlJX_i/
From award-winning historian Ibram X. Kendi's Instagram: Arundhati Roy on our job as writers. If there aren’t people who take issue with our work, then we aren’t doing our jobs.
I did bodyboarding for 6 years without being aware why I enjoyed it but now...
... here's an article by The Inertia titled: How surfing changes us
"Because the ocean teaches impermanence, surfers tend to handle life’s shifts with more calm and less fear."
Saturday, April 12, 2025
Dreams #3: Stealing a 1,000 Rufiya note
I climb the stairs to a first-floor bookshop in the building that once housed the now defunct Haveeru newspaper, where I used to work as a journalist. I don’t know who owns this newly opened store.
I walk through the entire shop, searching for books or novels for young adults and adults—but there are none. Not even stationery. Only children’s books: coloring books, stories, fables.
Disappointed, I decide to leave.
Just as I’m about to head down the stairs, a small pillow magically appears in my right hand. I don’t recall seeing any sofas or chairs for customers to sit and read.
Thinking I should return it if it belongs to a sofa, I lift the pillow. Underneath, a 1,000 Rufiya note appears in my hand—again, as if by magic.
I had never seen the new 1,000 Rufiya note before. As someone from a lower middle-income background, I rarely handled anything larger than a 500.
Strangely, I don’t take it to the “lost and found” at the reception. I’m not sure why. Until then, I’d never seen myself as the sort of person who’d take something that wasn’t his. And what could I even buy for a thousand Rufiya, I wonder?
I examine the note. It has an illustration of a whale shark—the pride of Maldives’ environment and tourism.
Before I could look at the other side of the note, suddenly, a man approaches. Out of fear, I crumple the note, shove it into the back pocket of my pants, and walk down the stairs onto the street.
I don’t know where I’m going.
Friday, April 11, 2025
LIFE IN PICTURES: Brassocattleya hybrid orchid
The colors of Nature are wondrous yet color can sometimes be a distraction. Stripped to black and white monochrome, any object or scene is laid bare to its necessities which brings out their essence due to the enhancement of light and shadows.
This is an orchid which is now in bloom at my parents' terrace garden in Malé, Maldives.
Brassocattleya or Brasso-cattleya, abbreviated Bc. in the horticultural trade, is an intergeneric orchid hybrid derived from the genera Brassavola and Cattleya. Brassocattleya contains both hybrids that appear in nature (in Brazil), as well as hybrids from cultivation (Wikipedia).
The "tragedy of the commons" will be the undoing of all of us Maldivians
Every Ali, Mohamed & Adam in the country is determined to maximize their benefit from guest-house tourism. On the one hand, any attempt by the govt to regulate and limit the rivalrous nature of developments would be seen as political suicide. On the other, educating the public on what Garrett Hardin illustrated as the paradox of individuals maximizing their own benefit from the resources often leading to overuse and ultimate collapse, is next to impossible. READ MORE from Naimbe's Instagram
Thursday, April 10, 2025
We do have a Maldives' analogy for people like JD
Yes, Mr. Vance, you are just another "Kuhlhavah Falu Rani" or instead of "Rani", which means "Queen", shall I use the word "Hypocrite" since you now appear to be someone who has strangely forgotten your roots?
It's not nice to use the word "peasants" to describe anyone even if this VP hates the Chinese.
Here's what he said: “We borrow money from Chinese peasants to buy the things those Chinese peasants manufacture,” Vance told the Fox News show.
Read the article on HuffPost which also contains a 1-minute 27-second videoclip of him posted on X (formerly Twitter) uttering this disgusting word.
What if governments disown their citizens?
Trump has declared that only American citizens can vote in US elections BUT how to prove a person's citizenship beyond any shadow of a doubt?
Wednesday, April 09, 2025
"Are people who 'ghost' other people psychologically unstable?" - a friend put it crudely...
Yesterday I met a Maldives' friend and I did this quick research for him because he said he still hasn't overcome been "ghosted" by a close friend of his which happened a while back.
I myself suffered when a close friend ghosted me while I was in Majeediyya School and I was traumatized for a while because Maldives didn't have Internet at that time and so I didn't know how to deal with the scary feelings and uncomfortable emotions I were faced with. Now I have emerged stronger because finally I understand the possible reasons he might have in ghosting me.
So I fed as a prompt into Google's AI chatbot Gemini the exact question my friend asked, which was bluntly, saying: "Are people who 'ghost' other people psychologically unstable?"
And here's Gemini's answer:
While ghosting itself is not typically classified as a mental illness, certain underlying psychological factors or patterns of behavior associated with some mental health conditions might contribute to why someone chooses to ghost.
Here's a breakdown of why it's not accurate to say all people who ghost are psychologically unstable, but why certain connections can be made:
Reasons why ghosting is generally not a sign of psychological instability:
Avoidance of Conflict: Many people ghost to avoid uncomfortable conversations, breakups, or confrontations. This doesn't necessarily indicate a mental health issue, but rather a potentially immature or avoidant communication style.
Lack of Communication Skills: Some individuals may lack the skills or confidence to express their feelings or intentions directly.
Fear of Hurting Someone's Feelings: Ironically, some people ghost because they believe it will be less painful for the other person than a direct rejection.
Ending Casual Relationships: In very early or casual dating scenarios, some people may see ghosting as an easier way to end things without a formal discussion.
Personal Discomfort: The person ghosting might feel overwhelmed, anxious, or simply not know how to proceed with the relationship.
Potential links to psychological factors or mental health-related behaviors:
While not a direct indicator of mental instability, certain patterns or motivations behind ghosting could be associated with underlying psychological issues:
Avoidant Attachment Style: Individuals with an avoidant attachment style tend to value independence and may distance themselves emotionally by ghosting.
Fearful-Avoidant Attachment Style: These individuals desire closeness but also fear intimacy and rejection, which can lead to ghosting as a self-protective mechanism.
Low Empathy or Callousness: People with low empathy may struggle to consider the emotional impact of their actions on others, making ghosting more likely.
Emotional Immaturity: Difficulty managing one's own emotions or considering the emotions of others can contribute to choosing the seemingly "easier" route of ghosting.
Social Anxiety: In some cases, extreme social anxiety might make direct communication feel overwhelming, leading to ghosting as an avoidance strategy.
Symptoms of Certain Mental Health Conditions: In rare cases, ghosting could be a manifestation of withdrawal or difficulty maintaining relationships associated with conditions like depression, certain personality disorders, or during a mental health crisis. However, this is not the primary or defining characteristic of these conditions.
Self-Centered or Manipulative Traits: Some individuals with self-centered or manipulative tendencies might use ghosting as a way to exert power or avoid accountability.
Important Considerations:
Pattern of Behavior: Occasional ghosting is different from a consistent pattern of abruptly ending communication in all types of relationships. A repeated pattern might suggest underlying issues.
Context of the Relationship: The impact and interpretation of ghosting can vary greatly depending on the length and depth of the relationship.
Motivation: Understanding the reasons behind the ghosting (if possible) can offer more insight, though this is often what the "ghosted" person lacks.
Conclusion:
It is inaccurate and stigmatizing to label all people who ghost as psychologically unstable. While certain psychological factors and behaviors associated with some mental health conditions can contribute to the act of ghosting, it is often a result of poor communication skills, discomfort with confrontation, or a desire to avoid perceived awkwardness.
However, repeated ghosting, especially in significant relationships, might be a red flag indicating potential difficulties in interpersonal relationships that could warrant further exploration. It's crucial to avoid generalizations and consider the complexity of human behavior.
However, this conclusion begged another question: "But doesn't the person who was 'ghosted' deserve some kind of resolution or closure to the relationship?"
And Gemini answers:
You are absolutely right. From the perspective of the person who was ghosted, the lack of resolution or closure can be incredibly hurtful and confusing. It's a valid and common feeling to desire understanding and a sense of finality when a relationship ends, regardless of its nature or duration.
Here's why the lack of closure after being ghosted is often so difficult:
Unanswered Questions: The person left behind is often left wondering what happened, what they did wrong (even if they didn't), and why the other person suddenly disappeared. This can lead to rumination, self-doubt, and anxiety.
Lack of Respect: Ghosting can feel deeply disrespectful, as if the relationship and the person's feelings weren't worth a simple explanation.
Difficulty Moving On: Without closure, it can be harder to process the end of the relationship and move forward emotionally. The lack of a clear ending can leave a lingering sense of uncertainty and prevent acceptance.
Erosion of Trust: Being ghosted can damage a person's trust in others and make them hesitant to form new connections.
Emotional Distress: The sudden disappearance can lead to feelings of sadness, anger, confusion, rejection, and even a sense of being disposable.
Why the person who ghosts often doesn't provide closure:
As discussed previously, the reasons for ghosting are varied, and often they stem from the ghoster's discomfort or inability to handle direct communication.
They might:
* Want to avoid conflict or difficult conversations.
* Lack the communication skills to express their feelings.
* Believe it's the "easiest" way out for themselves.
* Feel guilty or uncomfortable causing someone pain.
* Lack empathy for the other person's feelings.
The unfortunate reality is that the person who was ghosted often doesn't get the closure they deserve from the person who ghosted them. This is why it's important for the person who was ghosted to find ways to create their own sense of closure.
This might involve:
* Acknowledging their feelings and allowing themselves to grieve the loss of the relationship (and the lack of closure).
* Talking to trusted friends or family about their experience.
* Practicing self-compassion and reminding themselves that the ghosting says more about the other person than about them.
* Setting boundaries and focusing on their own well-being.
* Eventually, being open to new connections without letting the past dictate their future.
In conclusion, while the person who ghosts may have their own reasons (which may or may not be linked to psychological issues), it doesn't negate the valid need for resolution and closure felt by the person who was ghosted. The lack of closure can be a significant source of emotional pain, and it's crucial for those who have been ghosted to prioritize their own healing process.
(End of conversation with Gemini).
I guess I have nothing more to say to Gemini as it offered me answers that satisfied both me and my friend.
PHOTO: A Maldives' friend and I having breakfast last week at Spice Hut in Malé, the capital island of Maldives. I shot this photo of my friend who is the award-winning photojournalist who has been teaching me how to play around with the camera settings of my Redmi 10 2022 smartphone.
Quotable quote
"Other people's approval is a powerful drug. Lucky me, I never got the chance to develop an addiction. If there's something I'm good at, it's rationalizing my peers' contempt toward me. I've been training like piano prodigies: tirelessly and since early childhood."
-- Ali Hazelwood, "Bride"
Tuesday, April 08, 2025
Every day I learn something new because I am not in a hurry to rush through my life
I do agree life is short and accept all that "Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara" cliches. But I am not worried that I might miss things, even important ones, before I kick the bucket.
So, slowly, step by step, I am still learning. Things I am interested in. Like photography.
Today a close Maldivian friend, who is an award-winning photojournalist, adjusted by Redmi 10 2022 smartphone camera's HDR settings and introduced me to the Tilt-shift function.
It's cool. Expect more such photographs from me. Here's a flower from my parents' terrace garden. It's a Hippeastrum reticulatum, the netted-veined amaryllis, which is a flowering perennial herbaceous bulbous plant, in the family Amaryllidaceae, native to South America:
Maafushi proves tourism is ironic
Aesop only wrote fables. Kill the goose. Take out all the golden eggs. Today. Right now. 😔 READ MORE from Naimbe's Instagram
Monday, April 07, 2025
Films, documentaries & TV series - which one(s) to sacrifice?
I am definitely a buff of visual media. BUT now I am facing a dilemma:
I don't know where to start. I can't even decide when there are so many good movies and great documentaries and therefore I am faced with the undisputed fact that I may have to sacrifice them if I start watching TV series. 😀
Life is too short now. There're only two more decades before I will turn 70 which is the Maldives' life expectancy age. So shall I sacrifice the TV series and instead watch good films like "Officer On Duty" and "Santosh" and great documentaries such as "No Other Land" or shall I sacrifice those for all the spin-offs - such as "House of the Dragon" - that George R R Martin has announced based on his "Game Of Thrones" universe?
This is a real problem I face now as regards to whether to choose either films and documentaries or TV series!
I guess these thoughts have popped into my mind this week because this week, after much much much delay, I finally watched India's first time Cannes winner "All We Imagine As Light" (2024) and it is awesome - in the sense I felt like going back to arthouse movies after a long time. This is why I feel I can't sacrifice films and documentaries in favor of TV series. I feel 7 good films per week is more worthwhile than 7 episodes of just 1 TV series per week.
In a nutshell, I now have to choose the way I spend time carefully because I don't have much time on Earth as half my life is over. Therefore, I guess I am back to the very very very basic Economics concept of "Opportunity Cost"!! 😂
Sunday, April 06, 2025
BOOK REVIEW: "The Heretic Queen" by Michelle Moran
The Heretic Queen by Michelle MoranMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
It’s not a literary masterpiece, but it’s pretty good. I’d say it’s above average—definitely kept me hooked with all the intrigue and suspense and interesting twists that kept me on the edge of my seat. Plus, I really liked how the author’s writing is simple and flows smoothly, kind of like Sidney Sheldon's novels. Makes it an easy, enjoyable read. A big thank-you to a Maldivian close friend who gifted me this book.
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