Once upon a time, I was so happy when I discovered canned paksiw-flavored sardines in an SM grocery store. It was so delicious that I bought many cans. I ate it everyday till such time came when the very sight of it made my stomach turn and I didn’t finish my stock and have never ate one again eversince.
When I discovered the song Way Back Into Love, I loved it so much that I put it on repeat play and listened to it the whole day for several days. After a while, I deleted the song from my files and cringed whenever I heard it elsewhere.
As they say, familiarity breeds contempt.
I realize, however, that the opposite is also true – that is, what is initially a despicable something or someone can grow more tolerable the more you spend time with them.
Like when I first stayed over at a friend’s place, I noticed that his bedsheets smelled a bit funny. But after a few days of staying there, I could no longer detect it.
And once, I knew this person whom I couldn’t tolerate the first few months that I knew her. But after being forced to be with her all the time, I got used to her irritating attitude and grew to like her.
And then there’s also how familiarity can strip you of novelty. The first time I was in Singapore, I was so awestruck by its beauty. Now I walk outside and feel nothing. I’ve become immune to its charms.
Familiarity is not such a good thing sometimes. It can make you lose your objectivity.
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