Bubbles
The world is a dangerous place. I used to be so withdrawn from meeting new people out of the fear that they would hurt me. My belief is that everyone’s “bubbles”, or a social comfort zone, should be expanded and explored.
I never used to think that talking to a person by choice could be so easy. That is how I got my current friends. When I first met them, I didn’t intend to make them my friends, but they stuck to me like glue.
My best friend, Tahnee, was one of those people; she called me constantly one summer. I dreaded her phone calls. I actually lied to her about being busy, until finally, I gave in and played with her. It was the best decision of my life. She is the one who inspired my belief in exploring “bubbles”.
And because of my belief I met Craig.
(Craig is my boyfriend– the first one that I have ever had in my sixteen years.) The first time I met him was in a ballroom class; he was a clumsy dancer and I avoided dancing with him if I could. Once I found out that he was going to be in my Homecoming group I decided to talk to him. His personality charmed me and I wanted to be his friend. A conversation was started, we became friends, and he became my crush. I asked him out on a date. He never wanted to date me at first. But because I expanded my “bubble”, I got him. I love every minute of the budding relationship that we have now.
If I had never taken the chance to talk to Craig for just a few minutes, I wouldn’t know him. Looking back, I can’t help but think of how many friendships I missed out on because I didn’t want to wander from my “bubble”. “Bubbles” are small and hindering because they don’t always allow you to leave where you are comfortable. But mine has grown whenever I’ve taken the gamble of talking to that person waiting at the bus stop, or standing in front of me in a grocery line. No matter what situation I’m in I can muster up the courage to at least say hello.