Writing Challenge Day 18: Finding Friendship

“Strangers are just friends we haven’t met yet.” While horrific to some, this is a personal catchphrase. I believe the world is filled with so many wonderful, unique individuals to meet. And think of the variety of places you could meet them! At a coffee shop, in an airport lounge, by the snack bar at a coworker’s housewarming, or in the park down the street from a new dance studio.

That is—until the pandemic began.

In this new existence, I began cultivating established relationships through Zoom hangouts and FaceTime calls. But meeting a new friend? That notion was placed in a box and sealed shut until 2022—right next to “hugs” and “blowing out birthday candles.”

So, I was surprised to discover that this globally shared experience did foster new connections in my life. The game of “We’re Not Really Strangers” that deepened my friendship with an acquaintance after we exchanged personal anecdotes (the game’s pièce de résistance). The Antakshari circle birthed by Instagram, spanning over six different time zones and professionals in the music industry. The neighbors I never noticed before, but now to whom I wave enthusiastically on my daily walks.

I even went a step deeper and finally, with clear eyes, examined the friendship I had with myself. Being kind to myself when I made mistakes. Delving more time and space into what interested me. Taking a giant pause as a reset to sing “You’ve Got a Friend In Me” to the mirror (okay, maybe not that last one literally…but I had to sneak Disney in somehow).

I’d love to know—how have you found friendship—with yourself, or others—in these times? Were you able to strengthen an existing relationship, or reconnect with an old friend? Did you meet someone new? Let us know in the comments!

Parents
  • The wife and I are building a new house in a new neighborhood.  Because of the equity in the old home I was able to bump up to a much more expensive home.  

    While it is under construction I am meeting my future neighbors.  

    Mehmet and his family has the property to the South.  He is a data scientist that was born in Turkey. 

    Nilesh and his family live on the property to the North.  He is a developer that works for IBM and was born in India.   

    This part of the sub division has only one way in and out and just long two streets and only seven homes are left to complete the build out.  

    The little area of 90 or so homes is a melting pot of CPA's, engineers and tech professionals.  So in just a few houses near me we have Christian, Hindu, Muslim and Jewish religions represented.   They or their forefathers were born in Turkey, India, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Sicily, or Vietnam and they all now live in Texas.   

    I guess they all came in search for a Fiber GB connection to the Internet and not much snow.

    Welcome to Texas!!

    Paul 

Comment
  • The wife and I are building a new house in a new neighborhood.  Because of the equity in the old home I was able to bump up to a much more expensive home.  

    While it is under construction I am meeting my future neighbors.  

    Mehmet and his family has the property to the South.  He is a data scientist that was born in Turkey. 

    Nilesh and his family live on the property to the North.  He is a developer that works for IBM and was born in India.   

    This part of the sub division has only one way in and out and just long two streets and only seven homes are left to complete the build out.  

    The little area of 90 or so homes is a melting pot of CPA's, engineers and tech professionals.  So in just a few houses near me we have Christian, Hindu, Muslim and Jewish religions represented.   They or their forefathers were born in Turkey, India, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Sicily, or Vietnam and they all now live in Texas.   

    I guess they all came in search for a Fiber GB connection to the Internet and not much snow.

    Welcome to Texas!!

    Paul 

Children
No Data
Thwack - Symbolize TM, R, and C