S: We haven’t talked in a long time.
A: What? Sadiq we talk all the time. Just yesterday we were talking about the Taylor Swift-Nicki Minaj death match.
S: No Ameen. We really haven’t talked. How are you?
A: Did you have a near death experience? Why are you being so strange?
S: I just want you to know I really appreciate you being my friend. I know we fight a lot and are very different people, but it is all about creative criticism. And I do feel like I am a better person because you’re my friend.
A: Oh. Wow. That is so strange to hear. I feel the same way…
S: But you would never say it.
A: Yes. None of my male friends have ever said anything like that to me. Haha.
S: See, that’s the problem. We are so stuck in our gender roles that we forget to appreciate each other at a human level. As much as it is important to talk to you about your political and religious leanings, I think we as people and as Pakistanis forget about connecting at a more human level. When was the last time your father sat with you or your sister and asked how you were? When was the last time your mother tried to sit with you and understand your job.
A: You’re right. We need to make more of an effort with the people in our lives. We talk about how our society is so family orientated and how we respect our elders, but its just turned into the older generation demanding unquestioned submission and obedience.