INFLUENCE OF FRIENSHIPS - 1
Friendship is the topic cheesy films are made on. And also the same topic on which comedy films are made. Such variety in a simple relationship. Friends from childhood are those we never saw from the eyes of judgement. We became friends because we liked playing with them. Or maybe they seemed different or fun. Nobody knows what's inside your younger self's mind. The friends made at a slightly older age are friends you simply relate to or you like being with. Friends at the stage of being a teenager are picked out by personality- "Who would I like to spend time with?". And well, friendships in adulthood are formed by common problems- "Your child spends too much time on TV! Mine too" or "Yeah yeah, grocery shopping is just not my thing".
But most of my friends are from the first few categories since I myself am a teenager! Well, what can I say, I'm stuck with them :).
Friends form one of the most important sets of people in your life. It is observed that one is influenced by their peers more than their parents for most of part of life. Personally, I am influenced by literally all the people I am with. And it is a conscious effort to pick up good characteristics of people around me. People do that usually with movie stars and cricketers in India, however, I'm blessed to be surrounded by amazing people around me, I don't require doing that.
My friends especially have taught me a lot. From little things like keeping stress levels low to inspiring me to work harder. So for all my actions, blame them :)
My first learning and the most important one is managing stress.
I remember giving one of my first examinations through an online procedure. There were a lot of new things. 8th grade has to be taken seriously- pandemic farrago and lack of planning don't really have great results. I couldn't fit in textbook materials in my mind. I loathed plants for their pollination processes and hated all hormones that the pituitary gland secreted, as it became an added load in the never-ending syllabus. Soon or later, my mind was exhausted and my heart couldn't take it any more. I was completely done with tackling this silly examination. I broke down. Cried and cried like it's the end of the world.
It was almost instinctive of me to reach out to my mom and my best friend. After a paroxysm of weeping on my mother's lap, she calmed me down and explained how marks don't really matter at this point. She has always taught me how I shall give my 120% hard work to achieve anything presented to me. But that time, my sanity mattered more. That was expected of my mother, because well, she's my mother.
As I would usually do, I explained it ALL to my friend. Let's call her Ritu. She is one of my oldest friends and recently our relationship has gotten stronger from just friends in 1st Grade to "Can't Live without each other" Best friends :). Ritu handles every situation calmly. She is would rarely break down because she doesn't let a lot of things affect her. She amazes me with that quality. And not only that, she would always try to be the person who calms everyone down. Now that I am used to stressing, I do understand how to handle it, but then - Ritu was a wonderful angel. She sent me a message that managed to calm me down, as well as lighten my face with a smile. She told me how the exam would be a breeze and it was! Since I had these lovely women guide me through I got considerable marks. Not my best, around 85-90%. But this situation taught me the importance of such fantastic people and also thought me to handle chaos.
It was not only Ritu but all my other lovely friends, like Jyoti too! Jyoti is the mother of the group. She would help everyone and anyone in need. In similar situations, she has always helped me gain more perspective. We would talk about the most random things, but I feel she adds importance to such arbitrary topics. She's an all-in-one pack of love, joy, care, intelligence and a dash of sense of humour. Isn't this something all would like to achieve? Her personality teaches me something or the other every time. Someone like her is an absolute necessity!
I'm sure all of us have come across people who oppose our opinions and reject all our thoughts. In spite of several attempts of understanding him, Chris was just a plain bully. Everything I'd say would be made into a senseless joke, every action I'd do as a class monitor, would not be performed. He was just a plain bully.
What my friend Heena thought me? Being fearless. Never let anything or anyone step over you. She would stand for the right thing and the truth. Heena was an ideal young girl in the case of standing for herself. I thought it was incredible. She influenced me to not let Chris' ill actions affect me! Today, I can't imagine myself quietly accepting whatever is told to me, because of her and Maisha. Similar behaviour was observed in Maisha. She would also stand up for herself, but I mainly like her because of her upfront behaviour. You get only and only the truth. Such a practical person. All my irresponsible actions could not be justified in front of her and I never talked to her without getting a solution for anything I asked her for. I wonder how Maisha manages to be graceful and take responsibility. Equally held to her values as Heena, one can't but be in awe of these ladies!
Anjali is another charming person. I learn observing from her. She breaks down everything and she is a great listener (which I'm trying to achieve :) ). She is very smart and speaks only when it's necessary or when there's a joke to crack! What I learn from her is to always let go, have a laugh, and most importantly, view the world, not from the usual perspective. Kriti is also a lovely friend. She is the most trustable person I know. She would not only share the truth but also only care for honesty. She expresses utmost care like Jyoti. I want to learn that kind of care for friends, no matter what.
All these girls also motivate me to work harder and blow minds! They are healthy competitors and inspire me to push my boundaries. If it weren't for them, I wouldn't strive harder for every single test, exam or assignment ever assigned!
To the ones who I've known through my neighbourhood, you are my sisters, Adhya & Nita. Although we don't meet as often as I'd meet my schoolmates, you have a special place in my heart. You keep me sane and I know a video call or chat conversation would always brighten my day. Such people are so important, as they'd allow to escape all problems and just be, at that moment.
Some of these girls have been my friends for 2 years or so, some since kindergarten, and well Adhya- I've seen her when she was born! They still shine brightly because of their amazing qualities. I didn't know such friends could exist. They accept me for who I am, what else could I ask for? Who gets such people who guide you through tough times as well as make everything seem flowery and joyous?
My friends have always shown their love and care through such beautiful things they do. These have been as recent as yesterday, and as I write this for you as well as my friends, I feel like I've done well here. Or rather, the almighty has just given me these graceful girls who keep supporting, loving and laughing with me. Dear Ritu, Jyoti, Heena, Maisha, Anjali, Kriti, Adhya and Nita; I love you all. I don't know how to repay you and wouldn't lose you for the grandest of rewards or the happiest of lives.
To all our readers, get on and give a call or maybe a text message to your friends. It's time to cherish old memories and make new ones with the insane connection between you and your friends!
Ending with a cheesy quote cannot be skipped:
(names have not been disclosed)
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