Artificial Intelligence Friends' Fall Out

Great! I bumped into you. I didn’t get the invitation to your wedding.

No you didn’t.

When can I expect it?

Don’t.

There is no need for the question because the first response provided the answer. You don’t need state-of-the-art artificial intelligence to realize it is intentional. You did not get the invitation card because you are not wanted. It’s quite baffling to recipients because they don’t know what they did wrong, most of the time. Friend today, enemy tomorrow with no explanation.

It’s easier in relationships because men and women know when things are heading for the precipice. They don’t feel the love. When he finally sleeps at the office to work on an important deal, the wife is hurt, but not surprised. When she disrespects him in public, he knows she’s getting hugs and kisses somewhere else.

Friendship is more complicated. There are two parties involved, but one didn’t realize the friendship was lukewarm and finally cold, to the extent that she was not invited to the wedding. She retraces her steps mentally but doesn’t come up with any concrete reasons why her friend is so cold. She wanted a donation for her favourite charity and she gave it to her although she is not a religious person. She tolerated missed appointments. She allowed her to use her car when hers was in the shop.

The more she counted things she did for the bride-to-be, the more she realizes that she was the active friend, who kept the friendship buoyant. She also helped her with cash, when she was in a tight spot and it was more than once.

By the time she gets home, the fog settles and she’s thankful she did not get the wedding invitation, because she is not the problem. It’s internal and hopes the friend will heal herself, before she says I DO.

By: Nonqaba waka Msimang.