One of the many things I love about international travel is how I’ve made new friends!
My mentor once said, “You can’t choose your family. Oftentimes relatives are people that you don’t really like. That’s very normal and common. But friends are the family that you choose to have because these are people that you actually like.” That’s so true.
Apart from my parents, I don’t spend much time with my relatives as I have nothing in common with them. In terms of friendship, my mentor says this type of human relationship is actually the best! Romantic relationships rely on romance, business partnerships rely on mutual benefits. It’s likely that when romance and/or mutual benefits are gone, those relationships will end. But friendships don’t rely on any of those – a friendship is built on a shared value system.
The truth about friendship in childhood & young adulthood:
As a child in primary school, I had three close friends. High school caused a rift though; Two of those friends couldn’t attend the same school as me and another girl. This school needed higher academic achievements. Truthfully, I really missed those two girls. However, they didn’t want to talk to us anymore as it seemed as though they felt unworthy. They didn’t feel good enough while comparing themselves to us.
A few years later, I found myself stuck in retail as a young adult. A friend I met there moved on to a better career after university, with a degree in medical science. I had a degree myself, but it was a literature degree. Unfortunately, finding a relevant job was hard at the time. So, I stayed in retail for a while. I wasn’t sure how to connect with my friend who became a medical scientist. He often suggested leaving retail, but I really felt stuck without a way out. He was excited about his new path, while I felt lost without direction. This strain affected our friendship.
Interestingly, however his closest friend from teenage years is still in retail, but I attribute this friendship to them sharing a longer history.
The economy took a turn and fortunately, I left retail after a few years. My old friend and I are friends on social media now!
From the above-mentioned stories and examples, it can be seen that there isn’t really a pattern when it comes to making friends and keeping friends in childhood & young adulthood. Fatalism is real. We can only try our best, yet destiny has a plan already.
Since we can merely do our best, we should totally make sure that we know what to do in this regard!
International travel gives you a traveler’s mindset which sets you free.
When you are stuck in your boring daily routine, it’s not easy for you to get out of your comfort zone and explore various opportunities for you to meet new people and make friends. However, when you are traveling, you are more open-minded and willing to take more risks and try something new/different! In other words, your tourist’s mindset gives you more freedom to meet new people.
When you’re in a new place, surrounded by novel sights, sounds, and cultures, you’re more willing to take risks and explore uncharted territories. It’s as if the allure of the unfamiliar overrides the fear of the unknown. This newfound openness can be a game-changer when it comes to making connections and forming friendships. So make sure you go to events that you are curious about and start conversations with people with shared interests! Every connection begins with a conversation.
With this in mind, one of the most important skills that you have to master in life is conversation skill because this key skill can help you in so many ways: career, social circle, persuasion and negotiation. Whether you’re discussing the best local delicacies, recounting your adventures, or exchanging tips on navigating a new city, these conversations pave the way for bonds to form. Friendships emerge from shared experiences and common interests, and the energy of your travels amplifies the authenticity of these connections. Remember, the world is filled with opportunities for connection, whether you’re in a bustling foreign market or your neighborhood café. Embrace the unfamiliar, be present in the moment, and let your genuine curiosity guide your conversations.
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