Develop Genuine Friendships

I have a preference for being quiet when entering a room. Scanning and getting a feel for the environment helps me feel more at ease. This observant behavior has led some people to label me as an introvert. I'm not too fond of this label because I consider myself fluid when it comes to being an introvert or extrovert. A more appropriate assessment is to say that I was taught well.

As I adjusted to adult life in the United States, I sought to be more open and welcoming. I had previously learned to listen before speaking and chose to ignore these lessons because I was afraid of the loneliness that would result from being unsocial. My experiences with some of the people I met reinforced the lessons I received about listening. The darkness that came with this reminder taught me to be careful with my energy.

Through this cautiousness, I learned that I enjoy surrounding myself with people with whom I differ in various ways. Learning about differences in beliefs and cultures has resulted in friendships that previously would not be possible. This experience taught me that we should celebrate our many differences. I think that this fuels how much enjoyment we can find in each other.

Often, I wonder if the things that make us different are what pull us together. My interest in exploring these differences leads me to believe that diversity may make it easier to develop genuine friendships. I have so far found that this belief holds for both local and international groups. Through conversation, I realize that our culture and language differences and similarities have strengthened the bond between those in my social circle.

I highly appreciate this bond that I have formed with my relatively new friends. With the help of these friends and some close friends from Las Vegas, I have learned the importance of accepting and expressing what I feel. Gratitude and emotions are not something that I have been good at communicating in the past. Utilizing these lessons, I can relax and let the positive energy flow.

Aside from these lessons, my observations show me that people often don't show appreciation in their relationships until they vanish. When I think of this, I think of the many people who regret not getting the chance to say something to or do something with a loved one that passed away. In these situations, neglecting to express oneself leads to conditions where recovery is difficult.

To avoid regret, I sometimes force myself to express what I think/feel before I have the right words. This leads me sometimes to say things before I have had the chance to articulate them fully. While I have become proud that I am expressing myself with more ease, I am disappointed in the pain that I sometimes cause. I see the growth that I have attained so far as the result of developing genuine friendships. With more effort, I will better express myself without the need to filter what I am feeling.