I’ve always been super introverted. I love spending time with friends and being around the people I’m most comfortable with, but I’ve never been someone who can easily walk up to a stranger and start a conversation.
Making new friends has never really been natural to me, and moving 700 miles from home has definitely made that more obvious. I was so excited to have a fresh start in a new city, but it’s also been a lot harder than I expected.
I think one of the hardest parts of moving so far away is realizing that my family and friends aren’t just a short drive away anymore. At home, I could make last-minute plans with my friends or spend time with my mom without thinking twice about it.
Now, making friends means putting myself out there, introducing myself, and starting conversations with people I don’t know, which can be pretty intimidating for a naturally quiet person.
Sometimes, college comes with this expectation that you’re supposed to make your best friends almost immediately. I remember seeing people forming huge friend groups in the first week, going out together, and posting pictures together like they’ve known each other their whole lives.
It’s hard not to compare yourself, especially when you’re struggling to find people who you actually connect with.
At the same time, I’ve always genuinely enjoyed being alone. I love spending time in my room, listening to music, and exploring somewhere new in Boston by myself. I like having time to recharge, and I don’t necessarily want to be surrounded by people all the time.
But I’ve also learned that there’s a difference between wanting to be alone and feeling lonely. You can love your independence and still miss having familiar people around.
Being so far from home has made me appreciate the friendships I already have, but it’s also pushed me to become more comfortable with myself. I’ve had to learn that doing things alone doesn’t mean I’m missing out or that I don’t have friends.
Of course, I still want to meet new people and build meaningful relationships here, but I’m realizing that I don’t need to rush that process. I’d rather have a few close friends who I genuinely feel comfortable around than force myself into a group just to feel like I belong somewhere.
Over these past couple of months, moving 700 miles away from home has taught me that being independent isn’t as easy as it sounds. Some days I feel completely comfortable and happy on my own, and the next I’m having a breakdown and thinking about how I don’t belong.
I’m still trying to figure out how to make a new place feel like home, and I know that it will take a lot of time. For now, I’m learning that it’s OK to take my time and to be a little quieter than everyone else.
I don’t need to have everything figured out or find my best friends right away. Until then, I want to make the most of where I am and learn to appreciate the independence that comes with being on my own.
The friendships will come with time.
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