What kind of friend is that?

"Friendships last when each friend thinks he has a slight superiority over the other."
- Honore Debalazac

Does it really last when one displays slight superiority over another? I highly doubt so.

This is exactly what she bases her friendship upon - superiority; in monetary terms and by displaying her stand in society, often comparing (rather subtly and at times, aggressively) her monetary and material gains, capability (and utter stupidity) to purchase diamond rings, trips that are at least a few thousand kilometres away, incredulous and ridiculous insurance coverage in millions (premiums in hundreds), and queries on purchasing private property (like how the hell would I know?)

All this while, I've been receiving random "hellos" and messages on "how's life?", only to end with conversations such as, "Eh, by the way, I'm going to where-and-where" or "Eh, by the way, I just bought a blahblah." So the occasional reappearance is to show me that you're going on a trip? And not to sincerely and truly ask me how kind (or bad) has life been to me all this while during your henpecked disappearance? The emergence of this person only occurs when there's something to be shared, e.g. trips, increments and bonuses.

Which reminds me, the frequent question I get is whether I've got an increment, how much is by bonus and if I've payed my income tax. I don't need a financial planner, thank you very much.

Let's not mention the materialistic side of things; what about sincerity? Why were plans thwarted at the last minute due to traditions (obligations) that one would have known way before plans were made? And what about the recent appearance into A's life under the pretext of curiosity and just some gossip to spice up her boring life? Or how about (stupidly) questioning friends under the pretense of not knowing something?

And then I began to question myself today: Am I being asked such questions simply because of my family situation? Because I don't see it happening to anyone else. One thing I know for sure is that the purpose of such questions is for her to affirm her stand in society; to see if the rest are "above" or "below" her in terms of earnings, materialistic gains and capabilities.

And to be very, very honest:

I am not well to do, hence I travel to Third World countries to absorb the culture and life we all take for granted.

I am not well to do, hence I do not dabble in stocks. Rather, I save my money for trips around S.E. Asia and provide for my immediate family (no, not girlfriend).

I am not well to do, therefore my insurance coverage is at its minimal (it's barely 200K).

I only have 2 years experience, so I don't expect much from bonuses or increment, although I have an acquired skill that not everyone can do what I'm doing.

I am not well to do...but:

- I know what and where Angkor Wat is
- I honestly think I'm cultured
- I definitely know that certain people aren't able to do the job I'm doing now
- I am absolutely sure I have a girlfriend who's not materialistic at all, not the least bit, and would NEVER request for anything expensive from me just to prove my love for her
- I am so fucking confident that I have sincere friends who accept me for who and how I am, and who sincerely and truly love me, stand by me and respect me.

Note that all that was mentioned above is a common consensus amongst friends based on their personal stories and experiences.

Today, I was told to decide if it's worth having such a friend...someone who tramples on you and throws her material gains at you, and who's insincere to the point of sheer arrogance.

And of course, the answer is "no".

So yeah, I've lost a friend today. Although it might sound a bit sad, what's ironic is that I don't even feel upset.

Good luck and good riddance. We could have been great friends if you hadn't changed for the worse.