Well, heres the catch . . This person has suffered from serious relationship issues (Not the 'amor' kind) with his family members, and parents as well . . I sense that he has this great desire to be accepted and appreciated by others around him, and he is a person who really wants to be a positive support for those around him . . Unfortunately, it seems like life has had things pretty hard on him. There were several times when I had meals with him (in fact many times) I have seen tears welling up in his eyes for no particular reason . .

I guess what hurts him most is that he really values the relationships with his family, but somehow or other, he actually denounced his brother and sister (and now calls himself the only child), it seems like this irony is eating him most of the time . .

In no sense am I saying that this person needs help. He is extrmely mature (I can't say I've met a single other person in this world who I can respect as much as he does), and despite all that, he still carries himself on, i guess hoping for a brighter future. I can somehow understand what he feels, because Iwent througha serious case of rejection in the past, where even my parents were against me. . Unfortunately I do not really know how to help him, for this is a man who is knows and understands the many truths in life - Who am I to say, "don't worry things will get better" or "I'm here for you", when well, few have really been there for him?

He always hangs out at pubs and karakoe lounges to relax (and no, he doens't get drunk in teh process), he sings amazingly well, and he was requested to join a recording studio, but refused, for some reason, simply saying "I just can't".

It hurts me as much to know that someone with so much ability and future to end up in a state like this. He desires companionship, and thats pretty much what I can give to him. I don't really know how to cheer him up, after all, who am I to say anythign about life when I'm 12 years younger? But this is a man, who is like me, (and i know I could have ended up like him had I been unable to pull myself together in the past)

During the times I go out with him, he will always cover my expenses, and would insist that I don't thank him for ti and just accept it as is, which I've learned to - and in return provide him witht he companionship he desires . . But it eats at me too, since most of the time, I can only listen to his complaints about life, and try to support him, but unable to actually help him in any way. .

He's a person who cares little for himself, and much for others, yet has been ridiculed by those around him - I guess this is what happens when the response to love is hatred? I'm not sure, but he truly has a self-less attitude in life, and I really respect him in this area, except that he seems to wallow in the sorrow that seems to stem from within himself . .  

Well, its a long story, and despite knowing him for only a few weeks, I feel like he's a closer friend than some of my best frineds . . I don't know what I can do for him, but so far I've just tried to accompany him, spend a little time with him, and listen to his story . .  Is there anythign else I could do? Or perhaps there is something I could use to hint at him the prospects of being content (or happy) with yourself whatever life brings?

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The key to victory is the element of surprise.
When that doesn't work, I guess I just gotta gun you down.

Basically, all I can tell you is to just keep doing what you're doing -- which is being a friend. Show him that you're there. It's hard for him to believe, since he's had some bad relationships in the past... so you can be the first to prove to him that people aren't all bad. Let him know you're always there for him if he ever needs to just talk about it... or even just a shoulder to cry on. Check up on him, see how he's doing. Stick with him through this like a rock. Let him know you're not going anywhere. That you love him (as a friend), and you just want to see him get better. You have no idea how comforting this can be. It really can make a huge amount of difference.

Maybe send me a cute "cheer up" ecard, the next day leave a bar of chocolate with a smiley face. Like I said, just remind him that thinks will be okay, and everything isn't all-bad... after-all, he's got you. :)

The only thing I'd warn you against is trying to be his therapist. I know you want to help, but you aren't really in a place to give him adequate advice and counseling on what actions he should be taking. You can try and help him decide as a friend, suggest what you might do in his position, but that's it. You're his friend, not his therapist. Remember that you yourself can't make these problems go away, and that, when it comes down to it, it's up to him to find the strength inside of him to win the race. You can be his #1 fan, cheer him along as you run next to him on the sidelines... but he's the competitor, not you, you understand?

I hope I helped now. :)

He's a pretty nice guy, whcih is why I respect him in this manner, he still treats everybody around him well despite having that past . .

WEll, I'd keep things updated here as time goes, but It would probably take months to work out differences, sometimes I'm not available for him as well, cause I'm involved in a lot of other activities - He always gets very disappointed when I'm not able to join him on his usual outings . .

Well . . do pray that he'll be able to find forgiveness in himself soon enough . . Thanks for all who are willing to help . .

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The key to victory is the element of surprise.
When that doesn't work, I guess I just gotta gun you down.