The Power of Genuine Connection

Oct 14 , 2023
By Eden Sahle

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At a social event last week, I was among a group of people who expressed their concerns about the lack of support among women. They pointed out that women are often critical of each other sharing personal experiences to support their views.

Some spoke of their unpleasant and painful experiences with their family members and friends, so shocking that it was understandable why they believed that meaningful relationships do not exist anymore.

Further remarks were made that violations persist as we cannot stand together. I hear these sentiments often at women's conferences being raised as one setback. This narrative is far from reality.

Forming friendships with other women has a unique bond from a shared perspective and provides a support system and a sense of belonging.

Although the degree might vary, I empathise with those who feel frustrated as I have also experienced my fair share of disappointments. However, linking certain situations to insinuate an entire gender not having genuine connections does not fly.

The preconceived perceptions and experiences can limit our understanding and lead us to be biased, even though we all have unique experiences. In my case, I have been fortunate enough to have friends from both genders who have stood by me through life's ups and downs.

Learning at Lideta Cathedral School where boys make up the majority, led me to socialise with them more. However, it did not prevent me from forming a close and genuine friendship with women. No matter the distance, our bond stood the test of time.

True friendship is invaluable and a support system is essential.

I am grateful for the incredible friends I have in my life. They have been there for me through thick and thin and helped me to be the person I am. My friends have pushed me to pursue my dreams, supported me through my failures, and celebrated my successes.

On the contrary, I had unfortunate encounters that demanded losing my virtues and had to part ways. It revealed the vitality of meaningful relations. Although our separate careers and intensive travel made it hard to align priorities, being unapologetically ourselves without fear of judgment or rejection was a takeaway lesson through the period.

Friends are the people we can turn to for celebrating successes, mourning losses, or simply venting about a random situation. They are the people who know us best and provide a bit of solicited advice.

I am aware that some people have negative experiences with friends of a particular gender. However, I believe that these experiences are more indicative of individual character problems than of gender-based issues.

While forming a relationship, everyone should be able to give the benefit of the doubt. It is better to understand someone on an individual level and spare ourselves from generalising. What defines a person is their character and life choices.

Negative experiences should not prevent us from forming these important bonds. It is a major part that contributes to our well-being while boosting our growth and enriching our lives.

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PUBLISHED ON Oct 14,2023 [ VOL 24 , NO 1224]

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