THE (IM)PRACTICALITY OF HOPE

"If you're not the one" by Daniel Bedingfield has all along been my all-time favourite oldies. From the very first time I heard it, I fell in love with the song - hook, line, and sinker. The melody. The tune. The beat. The bass. I can listen to it over and over again over the years and still not get sick of it. I AM SO IN LOVE WITH IT TOTALLY.



If there's one thing to grouse about with regards to that song, it is the lyrics. Or rather, a particular sentence of the lyrics. It never fails to irritate the banana out of me. As pesky as a fly.

I don't know why you're so far away...
But I know that this much is true (this guy has faith in us. Very reassuring. This one is a keeper!)...
We'll make it through (yes, indeed, as long as we both believe)...
And I hope you are the one I share my life with (Awww...)...

And I wish that you could be the one I die with (double awww...)...
And I pray that you're the one I build my home with (Oh yes, oh yes!)...
I hope I love you all my life


Did you catch that?

Yes. It's I "hope" I love you all my life. What an anti-climax. Not I "will try to". Or I'll "try my best". Or I "promise". Or I "resolve". Or I'll "make an effort to". But I "hope".

I "hope" I'll love you all my life. How sweet.



"Dear, I love you. Will you marry me? You and me, together we'll build a home together. Let's build a life together as one. No matter how tough the going gets, we'll make it through. Together as a couple. Hon, believe in us. Will you marry me? I HOPE I love you all my life." DANG!



What a major turn-off. Oh please, you think your hope very the powerful, issit? What if your so-called "hope" fails?
Shrug the shoulders and say "Too bad"? A bad stastistic? Que sera sera? An unfortunate case of being at the wrong place, at the wrong time? Oh puuuhh-leeazzee. Frankly, in my personal opinion, what's the difference between hoping and wishing upon a star?



One of the couple of things that ticks me off instantaneously is the usage of the word "hope". There's just something about the word "hope" that is jarringly annoying. Perhaps it's because the word clearly translates into passivity and indifference, or worse, lack of a fighting spirit. The bottom line is: "hope" promises nothing. It is not active; it's passive (Yes, smart aleck. Don't say that you're "actively" hoping. You prat.).

Of course, it's a totally different matter when it comes to hoping for the best in circumstances which we absolutely have NO control over - coma, death, illnesses, weather, interview outcome, height, genetics, and such. Apart from things of such uncontrollable nature, I frown inwardly whenever I hear the word "hope"; especially when all is not lost yet, and when there is clearly still room for action. In this case, the word "hope" obviously spells of plain passivity and lack of fighting spirit. A bad imprint is swiftly etched on my mind if someone keeps relying on the word "hope".

Hence, of late, I've been making a conscious attempt not to use the word "hope", unless it's really something that's out of the grasp of my control. Before commenting on anything, I would pause mentally and think, "Is this the best I can give? The furthest I can go?". Can I assuredly say I've given it my all in clear conscience, and can now sit back and hope on "hope"?

I've got to admit, it's not easy. It's hardly easy, as a matter of fact. Chances are, there will always be room for something more in most situations. It's a fine line to balance. Sitting back, raising both hands in the air, and proclaiming the word "hope" is so irresistibly tempting. Taking shortcuts always is, come to think of it.



Be active. Not passive.