Is it Okay Not to Have Many Close Friends?

As I savored my favorite Dahi Puri, my mind wandered back two years. Those were the days when I had a bustling friend circle in school. We sat together, ate together, and did most of the things together. It all seemed perfect, didn't it?

But then, a turbulent period struck. I realized, painfully, how hollow those friendships could be. They would act cordial in public and be something completely different behind closed doors.

One day, I vividly remember we were heading to a restaurant after our pre-board exams. They made a peculiar order, one that I found boring. Admiration for a restaurant usually stems from the quality of the food, not the aesthetics. I expressed my opinion, only to be met with a disregard for my tastes and preferences.

Incidents like these started piling up. They would pretend to like me in front, but showed no care about me in private. These individuals treated my close friend and me with striking contrasts, showing none of the warmth I expected. I noted these subtleties but decided to bear it for the sake of harmony.

Over time, I learned to be content with myself and enjoy the solitude it brought. Today, I still have friends in college, but I don't engage in social gatherings. I respect the boundaries I set a year ago and choose to prioritize my own company.

I consider myself neither a loner nor someone readily confiding in everyone. I cherish the few close friends I have and appreciate their company. But I also accept the reality that these connections may not last forever. So, I focus on the present and the moments we share.

It's completely acceptable to not have many close friends if it doesn't make you feel compelled to do so. I have been through this phase, and understanding this has been empowering.

Much like the saying suggests, it's better to remain hungry than to drink poison on an empty stomach. Embrace the peace of solitude—no choosing who gets what, no managing someone's moods, and just being with yourself, your eternal best friend, who enjoys life to the fullest.

Learn to be comfortable in your own skin and never lose the precious friendship with your true self. Laugh with many, but trust only a few.

Keywords: alone, self-comfort, genuine friendship

Meta Description: Everyone needs their space and time alone. Explore why it's okay to not have many close friends, embracing self-comfort and genuine connections for a more peaceful life.