DANIELLA BIANCHI
APRIL 20th, 2022
Do you know how many people exist in the world? Definitely more people than are in your immediate circle (7,939,519,362 people, to be almost exact). This means there are plenty of personality types and over a million (literally) opportunities for you to connect with new and interesting people. Us Aussies seem to find a group and just stick to them. I think that we shouldn’t do this and here is
Lately, a few of my friends have told me that they’re happy with their group of friends and don’t want any more. This shocks me. These people are just saying they couldn’t care less about getting to know other people or letting others get to know them. Basically, they are saying no to learning from others and adapting their attitude. You are not going to be the same person forever (well, for your sake I hope you do grow) and it wouldn’t be fair to yourself to just fit the expectations of those you already have around you, because that is all you are exposed to.
People have so much to offer, and I think it’s immature and close-minded to not attempt to engage with the people around you, particularly outside your clique. It always breaks my heart to see people give up in social situations and “sit out”. The onus does fall mainly on this person to get involved, but also the group needs to reflect on how they are acting. Entering a conversation is tricky enough, let alone when the people included are so invested in their group dynamic. People always seem to be opening up their mouths to talk so can’t they just as easily open up their circles. Check yourselves.
By now we should all be aware of some ways to talk to strangers. So, in saying that what’s stopping you from making new friends? Obviously, it is not compulsory to be constantly making new friends all the time; actually you should be focusing on quality > quantity in your friendships, but this doesn’t mean you completely exclude any possibility of new friendship. Be open to the new opinions people bring and the experience they have to share – even if it is just for a little entertainment.
Essentially, I am unimpressed with the fact that Australian culture is partnered with this clique mindset. We find our group (or what we think is our group) and we never leave. So many people use this same group of friends as an excuse to not talk to others. Now I just think that’s crazy because:
I refuse to accept that “it is what it is” and encourage you to look to widen your circles as well.
the go
on why we should break out of just having the clique.Lately, a few of my friends have told me that they’re happy with their group of friends and don’t want any more. This shocks me. These people are just saying they couldn’t care less about getting to know other people or letting others get to know them. Basically, they are saying no to learning from others and adapting their attitude. You are not going to be the same person forever (well, for your sake I hope you do grow) and it wouldn’t be fair to yourself to just fit the expectations of those you already have around you, because that is all you are exposed to.
People have so much to offer, and I think it’s immature and close-minded to not attempt to engage with the people around you, particularly outside your clique. It always breaks my heart to see people give up in social situations and “sit out”. The onus does fall mainly on this person to get involved, but also the group needs to reflect on how they are acting. Entering a conversation is tricky enough, let alone when the people included are so invested in their group dynamic. People always seem to be opening up their mouths to talk so can’t they just as easily open up their circles. Check yourselves.
By now we should all be aware of some ways to talk to strangers. So, in saying that what’s stopping you from making new friends? Obviously, it is not compulsory to be constantly making new friends all the time; actually you should be focusing on quality > quantity in your friendships, but this doesn’t mean you completely exclude any possibility of new friendship. Be open to the new opinions people bring and the experience they have to share – even if it is just for a little entertainment.
Essentially, I am unimpressed with the fact that Australian culture is partnered with this clique mindset. We find our group (or what we think is our group) and we never leave. So many people use this same group of friends as an excuse to not talk to others. Now I just think that’s crazy because:
- A. You are doing a disservice to yourself – other people can teach you so much
- B. Exclusion is never ok, and cliques can make others feel isolated. People remember how you made them feel and who wants to be known for being cold and distant?
- C. Different people bring interesting stories which can add so much colour to your life
I refuse to accept that “it is what it is” and encourage you to look to widen your circles as well.