If he is troubled, be sympathetic.
If he is rude, be specially courteous.
If he is muddle-headed, be specially lucid.
If he is pig-headed, be patient.
If he is helpful, be appreciative.
If he convicts you of a mistake, acknowledge it freely and even with gratitude.
But never let a flavour of the patronising creep in.

Singapore 10th costliest city to live in?

London 27th?

Time to move!

There were certain moments at last night’s dinner & dance that were priceless.

I do not admit to being an amazing conversationalist, but I love to be part of amazing conversations.

It had been a fortnight of amazing conversations, and revelations.

They had happened at impromptu drink sessions after work as the sun set over Dempsey; long chats at the sofas of Talking Point as the crowd dispersed from Sherry Hour; breakfast, tea, lunch and dinner with precious, God-sent individuals, over sushi/ nasi padang/ wine & cheese, at jones the grocer/ cedele during our sandwich run. In hindsight, I was that rash, and bamboozled; hopes and dreams confused with capacities and calling. Yet through this episode, You have reminded that me that You reinforce Your call when I respond to Your nod. Let me get to the place that You have for me, in Your time, Your way.

At lunch yesterday, Ambassador said that instead of an autobiography, he would rather write a book of happy stories. He would write a hundred happy short stories. He asked me what I thought and I said it was a great idea. He gave a preview of some of these stories, furnishing them with scenes, conversations, details. His wife added that he was always happy, even in very dark and agonizing moments.

This is why Ambassador is who he is. His humility, his sincerity, his concern for so many aspects of our country - from cultural development, preservation of heritage, foreign policy to protecting what is ours - his CV is one that you could never summarize, but it is apparent he never did all these for lengthy credentials.

A hundred happy stories.
Now that is something I would really love to do too when I am 60.