Yesterday, I caught up with an old friend.

We gathered at another friend’s house and did the usual small talk that friendly strangers do as they get to know one another.

An hour in, she decides to announce: “You guys are cool. I want to be your friend. Can we be friends? How can I add you? Will you reply to me when I write to you?”

On the one hand, the interaction felt awkward and unnatural.
But on the other, I found it oddly refreshing and compelling.

Especially among strangers, human relationships are often nuanced. We hedge our bets and limit our expectations. It’s rare to have someone take that risk of rejection.

As long as boundaries are respected, that focus and clarity are admirable.

In a world where everyone is hedging, the relentless person stands out.