Today I Will Ask Out A Friend

There's this post going around on Threads and X where people ask if there are actual people who can stay at home the whole day without talking to someone. I laugh because that person is me. As long as I have internet or I have a book to read or a show to watch, I can survive days without talking to an actual person. This was true even before the pandemic and it became a reality when we were in quarantine. There were days when the words "Just leave the package at the lobby" were the only words I will say out loud during the day (that's for Grab or Shopee delivery people). I mean, yes, I would occasionally chat with people and let my family know I’m still alive but I can happily just exist within my bubble with just myself for company.

But the first time I actually met with friends outside of my house after months of isolation during that whole covid thing, I almost cried from relief. I finally realized the importance of truly connecting with people beyond Zoom calls and chat boxes. God created us to be social creatures and to make connections with others. We need to listen to their stories, to cry and laugh with them, to assure each other that we’re not alone. That famous saying "No man is an island" is not just a trite quote but something that we actually live by.

You might be a person that revels being around people so connection is probably not an issue for you. Or you might be the kind of person who prefers your own company most of the time and that’s okay, too. But if you're the latter, every once in a while, let other people into your world. Even better, actually be the one to reach out to someone. You might think you don’t need to and that you can survive on your own. But maybe, someone else might need you right now. So go ahead and ask that friend out that you've been meaning to see and talk to for some time now.

IF YOU WANT TO DO SOMETHING:

Set a coffee (or tea or matcha or lunch) date with someone you feel the need to connect with. It might even be someone in your own home! Don’t put it off till next week or month. Do it now and set a specific date so it won't be a "one of these days" or someday.

JOURNALING PROMPT:

What prevents me from connecting with other people? What habits or attitudes do I need to change in order to cultivate the need to be with other people?

“Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light.“ - Helen Keller