bond bɒnd -noun
1.something that binds, fastens, confines, or holds together.
2.a cord, rope, band, or ligament.
3.something that binds a person or persons to a certain circumstance or line of behavior: the bond of matrimony.
4.something, as an agreement or friendship, that unites individuals or peoples into a group; covenant: the bond between nations.
5.binding security; firm assurance: My word is my bond.

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Some people in Harmony is getting (not exactly worried, not anxious, more of vexed) over our class bonding. I've read Gloria's conversation with Kah Yong posted on her blog, Yan zhan's view. I wanted to give solance, btu I didn't know how to put it in words.

Really, I feel that the class' name (Harmony) is rather ironic, considering that we are almost anything but harmonious (now, anyway).

Think of harmony in music, in words. If the words are in harmony, it will be like a soft melody, caressing your soul with gentle overtures and smooth notes. No instrument in the orchestra will be too loud or overwhelming, you can hear the sanguine notes of each instrument clearly, and they will all form something unique.

A sudden note jarring out, or a trembling of the musician's arm might cause an unpleasant screech. There are many things that could go wrong: musicians forgetting their notes and having to replay, memories not fast enough to compete with others, rhythm messed up, so that the sounds would be in a ravaging discord. The singer could have a sore throat, or a high note unsung. These little, or minor events happening to one of the many musicians could affect the whole performance. Whether the critics would be applausing or throwing snide words of dissatisfaction, it is all up to every individual.

However, one must note that each instrument is unique. They all have different groups (woodwind, strings, etc). Certainly, they all work perfectly in their element, but it sounds strange, almost unfamiliar, to hear a dancing trumpet in a funeral, or a melancholy flute in a wedding.

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I will stop here, as I realise I've been playing a game of symbols.

Ok, I'll just get to the point.

Everyone has their own group. That is true. It's like a herd's instinct: you stick to your own people. But we all have a reason.

I have a problem of trusting people. That is why conversations with others fall flat. Kai Ting once noted that I have a double personality : One loud and cheerful, people-lover, the materialistic, sadistic, spontaneous, tomboy who doesn't stop to think (my prime self); the other a calculating, silent, reflecting introvert who doesn't really like people. I love literature and debates, and I often say whatever I observe (if you have something particularly unpleasant about you I'll just tell it in your face). I stick to my friends because they know that, and won't judge me.

Before you ask me to bond with other classmates (almost strangers, yet almost familiar), stop to think: Would you judge me?

It is the fear of judgement that we just go in our groups.

Everyone is different. Believe me, everyone wants to make friends. I do, too. But I am just eccentric. Just like how I bet you can't stand discussing Vampire Knight and literature and Shakespeare and news (of business deals and prices and money), I also can't stand anything cutesy like Sesame Street, little hearts, talking about guys like potential love interests (you don't even know the guy well enough. Just because he's cute, you want to be with him? Unpractical. The dangers of hormones!).

I don't know how to say this, alright? It's idealistic to imagine the class bonded together as one. I admit that the class comm can do something, so I'm also responsible, but then I turn to ask myself: what can I do? Gloria and her friends love volleyball (and I don't know how to play AT ALL, dislike sports), I don't know what Vivian's entourage like, I have never mixed with the guys, so I don't know what they want, either. Yan Zhan and her friends are eager to get this class bonding thing going, but it's too difficult. The people from China congregate together, but I can't speak enough Chinese (to match the chinese pros, I only got an A for Chinese in PSLE, unlike their A*'s)to hold an intelligent conversation.

Besides, there are many types of people in our class. The more outgoing ones do not see a problem in mixing with others, but what about the quiet ones? If you suddenly drag me to another group (like that time last year when Chine Yee and me went with Yan zhan and other group members to purchase the cheesecake) it will be plain awkward.

But what's a bond anyway? Can it simply be defined as friendship? Yan Zhan is looking for friends to laugh and play with (the cheerful, enthusiastic type), Gloria and Kah Yong wants an activity which bonds the class together, and that's about the furthest I got reading their blogs.

Wht type of bond are you hoping to achieve? We all feel a bond to this class, we all know we are part of 2HM, and are proud of it. Isn't it a bit too ambitious to request for friendships betweeen everyone? Isn't it an ambiguous policy,great but too idealistic, to ask that groups be banished?

Then what would happen to the special ones in our lives? They'll just be like any other person you pass on the street, holding no special significance whatsoever. With groups, our identity is established. Without, what would happen?

It's great that you aknowledge the presence of groups, and it's excellent that you want the class to bond. Saying things is easier than putting it in action. If we organise a party, people will float back to their groups. If we organise a camp (DON'T YOU DARE!) the camp haters (a.k.a. me and some others) will quarell and spoil the mood with other enthusiasts.

Wouldn't it be nice if we just got to be ourselves with no fronts and whatsoever? No judgement at all.

We should just organise a really whacky party, with the events all done by different 'groups', and the dressing anhd everything up to each individual. We can all do out stuff, share and laugh (hey, it rhymes!)

That would be cool.

Too bad it rules out formal dressing and business contacts...I've always wondered what a formal dance and dress would be like...