What are you supposed to do when the person you're closest to does something so out of character that you're completely thrown? For a loop? Acts so unkindly that it really hurts? Are you supposed to try and understand that the person is probably sad, feels badly about it, wants to change what they did? Or should you stand up to them and say "no, you f'd up."

Totally unrelated:
Last weekend we went out to Chicago for my friend Jacob's wedding. It was really fun, as that city always seems to be, and I saw people I haven't seen in five-six years. There was also questioning between Eric and I whether or not the bride would jilt him, but she didn't and they looked really happy. The first time I met her, she told me that she didn't understand why Americans were in such a hurry to get married (she was already engaged to Jacob at this time), since in Italy, where she's from, girls would rather just live with someone first. First of all, that's bullshit. Italian women are among the most voracious husband-hunters on the planet. Second of all, are Americans, in general, in a hurry to wed? I don't think so.

I love the school I went to, a very small liberal arts college in Santa Fe, because the students and alumni form a very tight-knit group. Even if we don't see each other for years, we are very quickly comfortable when we do meet again. There was a lot of drinking, staying up late, and shit-talking like the old days. There were tears shed, old pictures, little speeches of love to one another. Promises to stay in touch, that will go only sporadically kept. But I love and respect these people, and I know that, even if they aren't calling me all the time, they're thinking about me and the next time we'll see each other.

There were also lots of Italians there, and I got to practice a little bit of Italian. Which was fun. I can listen and understand, it's just conjuring up the words that is really difficult.

Next weekend I'm driving out to Pittsburgh to see my very depressed little brother. He just got back from Iraq last week and his girlfriend already broke up with him. I feel so bad for him. And now Eric has decided (non-negotiably) not to go, in protest to the fact that Jared has never come to visit us. I understand his point. But this is probably the worst time POSSIBLE to make this stand. I'm so confused and sad by what I see as totaly unkindness. Perhaps I should just get over it. Plus he said his decision was "non-negotiable." What is that crap? Isn't this a relationship? Handing down set-in-stone decrees seems anathema to the communication you need for the health of that relationship.

Also, I have to drive out by myself, which is annoying. But at the same time, it's a weekend without the old ball and chain!