Friendships

On stepping out of your comfort zone , meeting new friends ...

Have you ever found yourself deeply attached to a friend, only to see them drift away due to circumstances beyond your control? This experience resonates deeply with me. I recall being the kind of person who cherished a single close friend throughout the years, only to feel a profound sense of loss when they moved away or our paths diverged.

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Middle school and high school were particularly challenging in this regard. Each time a cherished friend departed, I grappled with feelings of devastation and sadness. The pattern repeated itself even into my first year of master's studies when a dear friend suddenly disappeared from my life. We had been in constant communication, but her illness and the mounting stress of our academic pursuits led to her abrupt departure.

However, as time passed, I began to realize an important truth: friendships, like seasons, come and go. I learned to accept this , recognizing that clinging too tightly to people can lead to unnecessary heartache. Moreover, I found solace and support in unexpected places. My newsletter, which had started as a personal project, became a source of comfort and connection during those difficult times.

I'm a girl who prefers the comfort of home, indulging in solo dates , cozy movie nights. I've never found enjoyment in mingling with new people at parties; my social circle has always remained small. When classmates ask for my social media accounts, I often respond that I don't use them much, as I tend to avoid forming new friendships out of fear of eventual loss. This fear has led me to maintain a tight-knit circle of friends, a fact that hasn't gone unnoticed by those close to me. However, for me, it's about preserving my peace of mind. I think some of the readers will relate to this .

Until my friend Yasmin invited me to her birthday party, I had managed to avoid social gatherings. Yasmin has been my bestie since 2020, and her invitation was one I couldn't decline. So, I ventured out to a charming shop to pick out a gift for her, surprisingly enjoying the experience. Despite my apprehension about not knowing any of Yasmin's other friends, who all happen to study pharmacy, I am grateful for my extroverted nature, which makes it easier for me to connect with new people.

Upon arriving, Yasmin introduced me to her friends, and there were moments of awkward silence initially. However, I seized the opportunity to strike up a conversation with a girl who, like me, is working on her master’s thesis . Soon enough, the conversation flowed effortlessly, and before I knew it, I was engaged in discussions with ten other girls. It felt incredibly fulfilling to connect with so many individuals at once, especially since I typically engage in small talk with strangers on the subway or bus. This time, however, I found myself vibing with a group of girls who exuded a contagious energy and were genuinely enjoyable to be around.

The afternoon turned out to be delightful, and I'll be sharing more details in my next post. Upon returning home, I was surprised to find Yasmin sending tons of voice messages. Initially, I wondered if it was about the gift I had given her. To my astonishment, Yasmin's friends couldn't stop talking about me, and she wanted to convey their appreciation through the flood of messages. It was a surreal moment for me, realizing that my spontaneous nature and inviting aura had left such a positive impression on others. Making four new friends at Yasmin's party was an unexpected bonus, and I'm eagerly looking forward to hanging out with them this summer.

These moments of forming friendships often occur effortlessly, much like unexpectedly falling in love. Just as love can catch us off guard, friendships too can blossom unexpectedly. For instance, last Tuesday, I found myself taking the bus home due to the windy weather outside, where I struck up a conversation with a new friend. It's remarkable how friendships can develop naturally, without much thought or effort.

However, I do acknowledge that for introverted individuals, building friendships can be a daunting task. But engaging in small talk can often lead to unexpected connections and potentially lifelong friendships. Take, for example, the girl I met on the bus; she captivated me with her mesmerizing personality and shared interests. Our conversation flowed effortlessly, and I found myself thoroughly enjoying our interaction. What's more, we both learned from each other - she's an English student, and our exchange enriched both of us .

Reflecting on these encounters, I never imagined that I would form such meaningful friendships. Yet, I've come to realize the value in diversifying my social circle. Each friend brings unique perspectives and experiences, offering different advice and opportunities. Whether it's going shopping with one friend or seeking counsel from another, having a variety of friends enriches life in countless ways.

As I eagerly await the end of my thesis to relax and enjoy my time with friends, I offer this advice: while a small circle of friends is undoubtedly comforting, don't hesitate to explore connections with individuals who possess diverse ideas and interests. Embracing the diversity of friendships opens doors to new experiences and enriches life in ways you never thought possible.

Meeting new friends enriches our lives in countless ways. And if you find yourself without friends at the moment, stay positive. Your circle will naturally expand as you remain open to new connections. I hope you enjoyed this post, and stay tuned for my reflections on April in the next one!