People really can change. I used to be the girl who loved having a lot of friends and being constantly surrounded by them. My number of friend groups was so extensive that sometimes it got too difficult for me to coordinate social plans. I loved hosting large parties in that small condo of mine, with the motto “the more the merrier”. But as certain friendships began to phase out over time, I quickly learned how quality matters more over quantity. Inevitably, my amount of friends slowly decreased to the select few I have today whom I call my core people, or my friendmily.

When I left Boston, I wasn’t too concerned with not being able to make new friends. Well to be honest, I’m not even sure I wanted to that badly. I was keen on strengthening the relationship I have with myself first while letting the rest happen naturally, and they did. Though I turned more introverted and often prefer to spend some time alone, I still have my family and a couple of close friends here to count on when I want to do collective activities, or just simply have heart-to-hearts during our explorations of the many scrumptious cuisines. It’s not a lot, but it felt sufficient as I understood that my reluctance to open up to new people stemmed from the tight-knit connection I had previously forged with my best friends. Luckily, ever since our slow dispersions out of the city that brought us together, we’ve managed to stay closely in touch and coordinate many big and small reunions throughout the years. Every meeting is special since each of them strongly reinforces the importance of these people in my life by helping us understand each other a little more and nourishing our bonds.

On top of being an over-carer and overthinker, I’m also insecure and sensitive, which frequently makes me feel like such an annoyance to some people. However, when I’m with these girls, I feel accepted, even loved for both my qualities and flaws. I’m also super grateful for how we can always be very candid with each other, providing advices and feedbacks on things that would be better for our own well-beings. To me, that’s the type of friendship that is almost impossible to find again, especially at an age when I’ve been through one too many superficial relationships and just want to strive for sincerity.

So while I’ve been making the best of my life here, I’m also always eagerly anticipating our next gettogethers. In this increasingly turbulent world, simply knowing that I have my friendmily as a constant factor is one of those comforts I’ll forever hold dear to my heart!