He wasn’t a man to make resolutions for the new year. But on this occasion, he was challenged by his friends to do something new.

He decided that in the days before the year ended and the new one started he would try to be more socially aware and kinder to his friends. After all, he needed as many as he could get.

And so, he set out to achieve what for him would require concerted effort and self-discipline. His friends were surprised and thought he had turned over a new leaf.

But as predicted it lasted barely into New Year’s Eve before his obtuse self emerged and there before them was their friend as disagreeable as always.

“It’s no good,” he wailed, “you say things that get my gander up and before I know it my mouth has fired up, and you are all looking at me in the disgusting way you normally do. I think I’ll retire for the night and leave you to celebrate without my negativity bringing you all down. After all, a leopard doesn’t change its spots, does it? This is how I am.”

It was generally agreed the challenge was a big one for him and in many ways unfair as they for their part needed to accept their friend for the obnoxious character he was which they all knew was no easy feat.

But despite all that he did have one redeeming feature. Generosity. If there was a problem anywhere, he was first to offer help, give money urge others to assist as well.

The enigma of him was as much a challenge to his friends as to himself.

Written for: https://sammiscribbles.wordpress.com/2017/12/29/weekend-writing-prompt-35-end-of-year-challenge/