The Friendship Algorithm

Making friends can be hard to do, but I'm not giving up yet. I've only been here eight days; these eight days do include a weekend which is typically the most important time and the only reason to have friends. Of course I'm kidding when I say this. There are numerous reasons why people want to hold a friendship with one another: the ability to confide secrets to one another, ask for advice, share great conversation and memories with, etc. However, when moving to a new place don't expect this kind of friendship right away. In a situation like this, one really just wants someone to "hang" with. Especially during the weekend. This two day stretch with no one to talk to but the walls can be a lonely time. The weekend tends to be a time where people come together with the same idea in mind to loosen their ties, let down their hair and have some fun. I typically don't have trouble making friends. To be fair, people just flock to me. Ok, I'm kidding again. I'm no better at making friends than Kimmy Gibbler, but I do hope I'm a little better than Sheldon.

Now, I have actually used the friendship algorithm recently. Early last week when walking out of my building I ran into two other foreigners. We were all heading to work so there was only enough time for a quick introduction which included telling our apartment number. What do you know, one of the foreigners lives right across the hall from me. The next afternoon instead of calling like Sheldon, I walked across the hall and knocked on her door. Nobody was home. Feeling defeated I sad walked back to my apartment. Figuring she was probably still at work, the next day I decided to leave a post-it on her door saying,

"Hey, I have a ton of questions about living here. Let's have coffee!" - angel

As soon as I posted it on her door I got the bright idea to knock one last time. Of course she was home throwing me completely off. I wasn't prepared to chit chat. No preparation was done like I usually do prior to meeting someone new. There was no pep talk, no looking in the mirror saying, "just be yourself." NOTHING. I had to improv, so improv is what I did. Stumbling into her apartment after being invited in, we chatted for a bit and exchanged numbers. She could not meet that night because she was meeting someone of interest if you know what I mean. Thinking everything was over I continued to my apartment and started watching Desperate Housewives. Since it is the last season, this episode was especially sad and what do people with hearts do when watching something sad? They cry. I cried like a baby. I was mid-bawl  when my door bell rang. Thinking I could clean up by the time I made it to the door. I walked over wiping my face and answered the door. I didn't stop crying. I continued to cry after opening the door and while greeting my new neighbor/ex-friend I never made. She looked at me weirdly and asked if she looked ok - remember she had a date that night. Through the tears I shook my head yes. Being the nice ex-friend I never made she kindly asked if I was ok. I explained what was going on and then commented on how her shoes were awesome. I then awkwardly said good luck and shut the door. She never called that weekend.

Am I happy this happened? No. But it is a good story. I did meet up and have dinner with the other girl I met that morning. Yesterday, Tuesday, I did unexpectedly receive a call from the girl who witnessed my cry fest. She invited me to coffee to chat with herself and several other girls. Looks like she feels sorry for me.

Ps - Thanks to all my readers...mostly friends I already have. I have 2,070 views!!! WOOT WOOT!!