My best friend Ana and I are from different countries and had never known each other before meeting at a client location one winter morning. 

That day at lunch we started talking and things just escalated to a completely different level for two complete strangers who are from different backgrounds, different cultures, had different go to languages as well completely different levels of ‘spicy’ that we could handle in the Thai food we ordered. However, we communicated so freely and connected at such a different level that by the time it was time to walk back to the office we knew we had made a lifelong friend. 

We went bar-hopping that evening in midtown Houston starting at Bohemé and gradually discovered our love for music, reading, gender equality, the struggles with settling in a new country and a new job as well as the fact that I don’t really like beer which is her beverage of choice.

Ever since then we have hardly met each other but every time I would ping her or she would call me we knew what the other was experiencing. Whether it was a frustrating project or the effects of travelling every week, the struggles with adapting or just a bad day. We just knew and have been there for each other. And, every time it would leave the other one wondering in amazement how could this be possible being hundreds of miles away, separated by geographies and even without nothing being mentioned. It is magical to be connected like this with anyone especially when everyone around you has no clue what’s going on inside you. 

I am grateful to God for such friendship and such an awesome human being in my life. Maybe down the years we will never want to see each other, fight, stop talking or just grow apart but I am thankful that this is something that I have and cherish in the present. 

As for the rest who don’t understand her, us, or anyone else; next time listen to someone without letting the words affect you too much. Listen with your hearts open and you might understand that person. Sometimes, even without a word being spoken.

 

P.S. : Still an Arsenal fan, sorry 😛