MEANINGFUL BONDS

Meaningful Bonds

In a digital world

In my early twenties, I was surrounded by people, friends, and social media connections—yet, deep down, I often felt a sense of emptiness. I was constantly engaging with others but rarely felt truly seen or understood.

Back then, I thought relationships were about quantity; having a big social circle, always being in the loop, and never missing out. But as I’ve grown older, I’ve realized that real connection isn’t about how many people you know, but how deeply you connect with them.

Now, in my thirties, I crave something different. I long for relationships that feel real ones where I can be my true self, share my struggles without fear of judgment, and feel a deep, unshakable bond with those I love.

One of the biggest wake-up calls for me was realizing how much technology was pulling me away from genuine moments. Social media kept me “connected” to everyone, yet I wasn’t truly present with the people right in front of me. So, I made a change. I started prioritizing real conversations over scrolling, choosing depth over surface-level interactions.

I also learned to embrace authenticity. In my twenties, I felt the pressure to always have it together, to present the best version of myself. Now, I see the beauty in being vulnerable. Sharing my fears, struggles, and insecurities didn’t push people away; it brought them closer. It created space for deeper trust and understanding.

As I started valuing quality over quantity in my relationships, something amazing happened. I stopped seeking validation from a large social circle and instead found immense joy in a few close, meaningful friendships. These are the relationships that truly enrich my life. Ones built on mutual support, laughter, and shared experiences.

Being vulnerable was scary at first, but I’ve realized it’s a strength, not a weakness. When I opened up, others felt safe to do the same, and that’s where the most beautiful connections formed.

Now, I cherish every moment of true connection. Whether it’s an honest conversation with a close friend, a quiet coffee date with a loved one, or a shared laugh with family. These are the moments that matter, the ones that stay with me long after the noise of social media fades away.

Looking back, I don’t regret the way I navigated relationships in my twenties. It was part of my journey. But today, I choose depth over distraction, presence over performance, and most importantly, real over perfect.

Images by TEN