Bhaiyya, Rinku and I visited a restaurant,’ said Rahul. ‘The waiters treated her like she is important, but didn’t treat me like that.’
‘Interesting,’ said Rakesh. ‘Do you always feel you’re treated indifferently?’
‘Yes, bhaiyya,’ said Rahul. ‘I don’t like it.’
‘How’d you like to be treated?’ asked Rakesh.
‘With more respect and seriousness,’ said Rahul. ‘I feel people don’t take me seriously. How can I change that?’
‘You can’t demand respect, you must earn it. The key lies in how you’re treating yourself,’ said Rakesh.
‘Treat myself?’ asked Rahul puzzled. ‘With a pizza?’
‘What I meant is — do you treat yourself with respect and seriousness? How do you treat yourself?’ said Rakesh. ‘Never treated myself as anything different,’ said Rahul. ‘No wonder everyone treats you indifferently,’ said Rakesh. ‘If you want others to treat you with respect and seriousness, start treating yourself like that first.’
‘How do I do it, bhaiyya?’ asked Rahul. ‘I have no clue.’
‘Let’s ask, Rinku,’ said Rakesh. ‘How do you do it, Rinku?’
‘Bhaiyya, I treat myself like I’m special,’ Rinku said.
‘I still don’t get it,’ said Rahul. ‘How should I behave?’
‘How would you behave if you went on a date?’ she asked.
‘Hmm, I’d dress well, groom myself and buy a nice gift,’ said Rahul. ‘Make them feel special.’
‘Do those things for yourself now. That’s all,’ said Rinku.
‘Whoa!’ said Rahul. ‘I can do that only once in a while.’
‘Rahul,’ said Rakesh. ‘If you can’t treat yourself like that all the time, how do you expect others to treat you well?’
‘If I start treating myself and focusing on myself, I might lose my friends. They’ll think I’m snooty,’ said Rahul.
‘You don’t have to treat yourself badly to win others’ approval,’ said Rakesh. ‘Earn their respect by treating yourself the best and watch things change. In all your choices, give yourself the best. That’s what a treat is, right?’
‘Yes, bhaiyya,’ said Rahul. ‘I’m treating myself to a milkshake and a sandwich today. I’ve always wanted to, but was waiting for a special occasion. This is special enough an occasion – knowing I’m the most special person for me.’
‘Make it three, chotu. Let’s treat ourselves,’ said Rakesh.
