This whole collaboration and letter was so resonant and beautiful and meaningful…and timely, as I am going through something very similar to what you wrote about…and feeling the very same way am regarding writing about it.
This piece brought me comfort, and made me feel less alone. I have also been looking at the friendships that continue to be meaningful and looking to the places where I can let people know how grateful I am to them.
I think, what I’ve realized, is that maybe I’m not meant to have “best” friendships. Because I really make space for that one person in a way that…maybe is unsustainable?
I shall go away and reflect some more.
Thank you A. for writing about your experience. And to Hanna for making space and Rachel for your gorgeous art.
Thank you so much for reading and commenting! I'm so glad this brought you some comfort. I'm sorry to hear that you're having a similar experience - it's an awful feeling.
It's interesting that you said you feel best friendships are maybe unsustainable. I definitely feel like I tend to hyperfixate on people I've started to get close to and feel comfortable with, but I've found that mellows after a while. I wonder if what you mentioned is similar? But I also now consider almost all of my friends "best friends" because of our relationship and the way we talk to and show up for each other, so there's not really a hierarchy there. Anyway, you've made me think! Thank you so much.
This conversation here feels so good to read! Sharing our experiences so we all feel less alone — isn’t that what it’s all about?
I, too, have been wondering if the hierarchical way of thinking about “best friends” is a neurotypical view of seeing friendship. Curious to hear what others think!
Feeling this as I lost my best friend of 8 years a while back due to a myriad of miscommunication and misunderstandings on both our parts. Incredibly sad.
I'm so sorry, Elly. Misunderstanding / direct communication really comes through as a theme here, doesn't it? It's hard and hurtful and sad. Thanks for sharing your experience, too.
Thank you so much for reaching out to me, Hanna! 🧡 I loved this experience and being able to work with you and Rachel.
Me toooooo! 🧡🫶
This whole collaboration and letter was so resonant and beautiful and meaningful…and timely, as I am going through something very similar to what you wrote about…and feeling the very same way am regarding writing about it.
This piece brought me comfort, and made me feel less alone. I have also been looking at the friendships that continue to be meaningful and looking to the places where I can let people know how grateful I am to them.
I think, what I’ve realized, is that maybe I’m not meant to have “best” friendships. Because I really make space for that one person in a way that…maybe is unsustainable?
I shall go away and reflect some more.
Thank you A. for writing about your experience. And to Hanna for making space and Rachel for your gorgeous art.
Thank you so much for reading and commenting! I'm so glad this brought you some comfort. I'm sorry to hear that you're having a similar experience - it's an awful feeling.
It's interesting that you said you feel best friendships are maybe unsustainable. I definitely feel like I tend to hyperfixate on people I've started to get close to and feel comfortable with, but I've found that mellows after a while. I wonder if what you mentioned is similar? But I also now consider almost all of my friends "best friends" because of our relationship and the way we talk to and show up for each other, so there's not really a hierarchy there. Anyway, you've made me think! Thank you so much.
This conversation here feels so good to read! Sharing our experiences so we all feel less alone — isn’t that what it’s all about?
I, too, have been wondering if the hierarchical way of thinking about “best friends” is a neurotypical view of seeing friendship. Curious to hear what others think!
So pleased to be part of this as the post really resonates with me too 💖 Thank you both!! 💖
Thank you for being part of it 🧡
Feeling this as I lost my best friend of 8 years a while back due to a myriad of miscommunication and misunderstandings on both our parts. Incredibly sad.
I'm so sorry, Elly. Misunderstanding / direct communication really comes through as a theme here, doesn't it? It's hard and hurtful and sad. Thanks for sharing your experience, too.
I'm so sorry for your loss! I don't think people talk enough about the grief of losing a close friend.
Your expressive paintings are alive with truth and vibrant, connective thinking. Powerful visual poetry!