In the past, I used to be much more shallow in that I wanted to be friends with the “cool” people. The people who looked perfect, sounded perfect, and had all the right “stuff”. Now, it is so very VERY freeing to have grown far beyond that approach.
I have had, and still have some friends like that. But they aren’t really the interesting ones, because they are constantly trying to keep up that image.
In the last year or so, I have been searching for friends. And in doing so, I have made the effort to look past imperfections and to even find some oddities loveable and endearing.
One woman I met at school is caring on the one hand, and yet will tell me all about things that happen on her job. She reacts with quite a bit of “grit” as old people might say. She’s tough. I love it that she is a tough chick!
And there is another friend I have made recently. She is so very intelligent and practical and fun to be around. I especially enjoy her humor. We share a somewhat unusual sense of humor, so that is something I really value.
There is also a man at school that is very introspective, intelligent and has a very caring personality. I can see him in a helping profession, but he’s young enough that he doesn’t yet know what he wants to do with his life. I enjoy hearing him talk because he has an unusual array of intelligence. He’s also a little different. He seems somewhat socially awkward, and I find that endearing. He reminds me of my little brother and seems genuine.
There is another girl who is a study partner of mine. She’s also a good deal younger than I am. She’s very serious and dedicated to her studies. She has learned through having roommates that she was much more selfish than she ever realized before. I really cannot see her selfishness, but I love it that she is learning things about herself and isn’t afraid to show her vulnerability.
Everyone is really beautiful. And I am convinced the most profound beauty is the kind you will never find on a magazine cover. :-)
