The Elasticity of Friendship
Lessons from a Month-Long Silence
Friendships are a vital yet often underestimated aspect of life. However, it’s not uncommon for for people to not appreciate it’s significance
You know, there’s a saying that your true colours show when you interact with strangers, but I believe it's the opposite. Your real self shines when you're dealing with the people you love or care about. Allow me to share a personal story from my own life that illustrates this.
Earlier this year, my close friend Samuel and I got into this epic argument about politics. It was one of those disagreements that starts with something small and just gets out of hand. To cut a Long story short, we ended up not talking to each other for a whole month. Believe me, I counted every agonising day.
During that month, I remember being confused as to why we weren't speaking. This was someone I had been very close with for years, so I believed a simple apology would make everything right again. I couldn’t have been more wrong.
The thing is, based on what we were arguing about, I was right (don’t ask for evidence; just trust me). However, the way I made my points was unacceptable and, well, sort of mean. Don’t we love an accountable queen?
Anyway, I realised I only acted that carelessly because of our closeness. If you remember Hooke’s law from physics, it states that, an object will stretch to an extent that is directly proportional to the strain applied to it, given that it’s elasticity is not broken.
It’s funny how we often assume we can push boundaries with people we hold close simply because we believe the bond can take the strain and eventually bounce back
What people may not know is that Hooke was also referring to friendships. Just like objects, they can stretch and bend, but they have an elastic limit that, when reached, will break. Which is why it’s crucial to check yourself so as not to take your friend’s love for you for granted.
After what felt like an eternity, we had a heart-to-heart conversation, and I got to understand and accept what I did wrong. Obviously, things were weird initially but we both did the work and I think our friendship is stronger
So remember, it’s not just how you treat strangers that tells the world who you are; it’s also about how you treat the people you care for. Never allow yourself underestimate the value of those bonds :)
How my weeks went
It was my birthday recently, and I can’t believe I’m the age I am. I spent it at home, and I had a great time. I didn’t get cake on the day, but “delay is not Delilah”. I had post-birthday blues, which caused me to disappear and not reply to texts.
It’s coughing season, and all the girls are sneezing. There was a cold going around my class, and I caught it despite all my efforts to prevent it.
Rip my wordle streak again. I forgot to play wordle two Sundays in a row
I was badly in need of a break, so I went home. Nothing ever compares to home-cooked food.
I’ve been in a reading slump. I was only able to read one book in August, and it was a struggle to finish it.
I finished New Girl, then I moved on to Modern Family. All I can say is that Phil Dunphy is the best husband.
My class had a photoshoot for our yearbook last weekend. It was a fun and very long day.
Manchester United lost 3-1 to Arsenal, and my friends proceeded to clown me. I need to meet new people.
My consistency in this newsletter and in my life in general has been nonexistent recently, but I’m trying to change that.
I’ll rate the past few weeks a 3/10. A lot has been going through me. Next week and the rest of the year have to be better.
No Judgement 🙃
Inspired by Johnny, the cutest kid (baby goat)! From Inisha, Osun State, Nigeria.
Thank you for reading this!
Have you ever been in a similar situation?