Most Singaporeans are brought up to say no to strangers. 
Or at least I was. I remember when I was a kid, my mom would be like, 'Don't take that sweet from the stranger... don't smile at the strangers...' Of course that's good advice. Probably saved me from a fate of being kidnapped and shipped to beg in Cambodia.
Then I got to know Kelvin Yeh during my years in Kent Ridge Hall, National University of Singapore. He came from California, USA on a one year exchange program. We clicked and hung out together a lot. He always, always said yes, not to complete strangers, but even people he rarely knew. 'Want to go check out this movie Kelvin?, Sure!... Want to go on a weekend backpack in Thailand Kelvin?, Sure!... Want to go for a run (2am in the morning) Kelvin? Sure!'
He was spontaneous and easy going. From him, I realised that in life, we seldom regret the things we've done. but we always regret the things we didn't.
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I was chilling out yesterday (saturday) morning in my hostel in Buenos Aires. Another lazy weekend. Then these two brazilian lady travellers, Cibele and Luciana, who just checked in two nights ago. They were decked out in running gear and they asked me, 'Want to go for a run?' I was so relaxed and feeling so lazy, plus I didn't know them and the weather was too cold. 'Next time maybe.' I said. Then one of them said, 'Well, its ok... you have a sedantary life.' It was a jostle but then it kinda hit me. Why not? I'm always game for a run. There are one million reasons to say no, but you only need one to say yes.
We went for a run and during the run we chatted a bit. Then I found out they are in Buenos Aires to run a half marathon, this coming sunday morning(today!), which I had no idea about. 'Would you like to join us?' They asked. Hahaha running for fun? are you kidding? Of course!
So my weekend transformed from a lazy one and culmilated with a big annual half marathon where I had a superb view of the city, running through the antique looking Congresso area to the ultra modern Puerto Madero. I was probably the fastest and only chinese running together with a few thousand latinos, mostly brazilians and argentines.
Oh yeah I finished in 1hr 45mins. Not too bad considering the total distance I ran for the past 3 weeks was less than 20km.
Just because I said 'yes'.
