I thought loneliness came from having too few friends. For me, it came from having too many.
I used to have many friends, but still felt like I was surrounded by strangers. Years later, focusing on a smaller circle has made me feel less alone.
Carrie Berk once believed that loneliness stemmed from having too few friends. However, her experience proved otherwise. In college, despite having numerous friends, she felt as if she were surrounded by strangers. After careful reflection, she realized that her friendships were surface-level rather than genuine connections.
Feeling a sense of fulfillment in meaningful relationships, Carrie decided to focus on a smaller circle of friends. Her 21st birthday party, packed with acquaintances, turned into an unexpected eye-opener. She questioned if these people truly knew her or if she was merely collecting friendships like tokens.
Berk discovered that the most fulfilling relationships were those with emotional depth and connection. She cherished the friendships she had with two individuals, one nearby and one across the country. These relationships, rooted in empathy and understanding, provided her with the emotional support she needed.
Initially hesitant to share her feelings with friends, Berk realized that vulnerability was the key to strengthening relationships. She learned to invest her time and energy in close friendships rather than spreading herself too thin among numerous acquaintances.
By focusing on a handful of deeply connected friends, Berk found her loneliness dissipated. These relationships, built on mutual support and genuine care, offered a sense of fulfillment that surpassed the superficial connections she once valued. Berk now cherishes her close friendships, knowing that they bring a stronger connection and a deeper sense of belonging.
Written by urgent.news from Business Insider's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
