The Intern asked me: “What exactly do girls talk about when they catch up?” followed by, “You don’t look like you talk shop.” I was rather surprised to hear that actually, I always thought that I was pretty alright when dealing with other females. From strangers to close friends, females generally bond over the same common topics, don’t they? Topics like that of fashion, boys, gossip about other girls; we warm up with a compliment or two and as long as all parties dish out a little dirt about themselves, most hit it off like new-found BFFs. Superficially, at least.
Somehow, men never seem to think that I get along well with the ladies; most assume that I hang with the lads. In reality, that is quite the opposite: My closest friends are mostly females; and I am not that comfortable in establishing a close relationship with other men apart from those already present in my life. Men and women being friends; it is a complication especially at this age; I do not believe that a purely platonic and strong friendship can be formed at this current stage of life. That in addition to my belief, that friendships between people of the same sex are more lasting in nature.
He elaborated by saying that he was surprised and that like I said, I didn’t fit into the conventions of a girly girl. Then in his own words: “I thought given the vast arrays of environments I have chosen to put myself in, I’d seen it all. But you are still pretty much an island of one.” Given his character, it was probably said in a flippant manner and I should not be taking it seriously but it made me think about my interactions with people and girls in particular: When I wish to, am I truly able to gel with people well? Or are some of my past connections a one-sided enjoyment?
