I am not very good at making friends. I learned to run away from people very early in life, and most importantly be careful of the ones that come close and want to be friends. From the experiences I’ve had early in life, I learnt to survive on my own. However, at some point, I met a very sweet soul that got very close to me and said, “you can’t do life alone. You need people”.
I have a best friend, and we’ve been together for over twenty years and our friendship story is actually very funny but has been really rewarding to both of us.
From the beginning, I used to run away from her. It’s just in my spirit to run from people because giving them my trust would mean that I’ll be vulnerable to some point. But this babe wouldn’t leave me alone. For every opportunity we had to see, she would look for me, but there was me always looking for an opportunity to run away.
When she gained admission into the university, she reached out to tell me, and I was super excited for her, but that was it. I didn’t try to reach out, but she did. That was when I gave up and let her fully into my life.
It’s been a long time, and our relationship has been one I cherish so much.
The love of this ship is no longer one-sided. She is not the only one trying to reach out now. Before we got to be continents apart, we would stay together and talk about everything we could and for as long as possible.
I remember one heartbreak she went through that wanted to snuggle life out of her. She was mentally down, and emotionally withdrawn. It was a really tough time for our relationship because I had to be the therapist, the counsellor, the friend, and simply everything just to make sure my friend returned to be the bubbly and lively girl that she had always been.
It took us more than a year, but we did it. She was willing to find healing, and I was there to give her the maximum support needed, so the result was exactly as we wanted it.
One thing I’ve learnt in this relationship is trust is an important secret of friendship.
There was an event that happened, and my friend stood by me against all the comments from everyone who thought they knew me more than my friend. I am grateful that I built that trust to a level that my friend would believe me over every other person.
Even though the story made her cry, she believed me, and to me, that’s how friendships strive.
I hardly make friends, but when I do, I consider the quality of the people in my circle over the quantity.
I’ve had friends who stayed with me when I was far from my family. They said, “we are your family too, and we should be able to do this without much trouble”. At that point, I knew I was blessed.
From my friends, I’ve learned self-development tips. My friends are goal-getters, and I am super grateful for the gift of them. How late would it have been to learn the art of investment, financial planning, business, and self-growth and more if not for the gift of my friends.
Interestingly, these ships I have are not pest-ships. They are mutually beneficial ships that is still sailing across the numerous troubled waters.
With my friends, we cried, we laughed, we hoped. But most importantly, we are still together waxing stronger holding hands.
From my ships, I've learnt that good friendship won't only be a stepping stone for growth, but for enjoyment and so much more. The gift of friendship is one I wish everyone would enjoy.
This is my entry to InLeo prompt for the month of November.
All images are mine.