In the Company of Animals

I’ve been called a social person but I don’t particularly consider myself social. I like the company of people – but for it to evolve into a real friendship, I have a very extensive criteria; fun, relaxed, easy going; the usual. Over the years, I’ve managed to meet some truly wonderful people and make what I hope to be long lasting friendships. There aren’t too many of these kind of people around. You know the type – the ones that just pop round for a coffee and a chat; no formal invitation necessary? I love these people! True friends. Failing that, I’m just as happy in the company of animals.

Dinner with friends is always nice

Its not easy making friends. Quite often, moving to a new place and meeting someone new is like dating. You’re infatuated! Mesmerised! And dare I say… desperate? You spend a lot of time together getting to know one another and inevitably, cracks eventually start to show. You notice the flaws and as with any relationship; romantic or platonic, both parties are at a cross road. Can they accept the flaws and maintain the friendship?

As with any expat community, there is a mishmash of cultures. Making a connection is hard; and often maintaining a connection is even harder. So how does one make and maintain a connection in a place that’s always transient and a micro-community that is always temporary?

Some people make it look easy. They always seem to be out and about partying it up with friends. I would hazard a guess and say they have to work very hard at that. Is it a true friendship if you have to work so hard for it? Or are some people just better salesmen?

#foodporn

For the moment, my approach is to keep busy organizing holidays, skyping old friends, writing this blog and volunteering at the local animal shelter. These are all the things I like to do. If I meet someone along the way, great! We will atleast have something in common by meeting while doing something we enjoy. If not, I’m just as happy in the company of animals!