These first couple of weeks in Rome have been tough, mostly because it's been hard to meet people. Most everyone here came with friends and it's been difficult breaking into groups. But hey, to know me is to love me.
Last night, I called my friend Tina that I met on the plane. She's one of the few people here that actually look Italian, and very sociable. She's also 4'11", which is a lot funnier than it sounds when she stands next to my 6'7" frame.
We planned on a movie in English, went to grab some pizza and ended up talking for 4 hours. Completely missed the movie! Oh well, I have more fun talking.
Turns out, she's in the same situation I am right now: not quite fitting in, but very sociable and outgoing, really trying to connect with people here in Rome. It's like I found my long lost best friend! We had a great conversation and ended the night with some of the best strawberry gelato I've ever had(well, the only strawberry gelato I've had, but still).
We talked about a lot, but it reminded me of a conversation my friend Tim and I had. I talk to just about everyone I can, I love making friends and she's the same way. But that doesn't mean we're interested in everyone we meet.
Tim, one of my best friends, and I talked about this before I left; how friendships with the opposite sex NOT based on attraction can really be quite rewarding. Everyone makes mistakes or misinterprets things, but I feel almost insulted when people immediately interpret friendliness as romantic interest.
I've had some great friendships with women(Lindsey . . I hope you're reading this) that weren't based on attraction, and some great conversations with women about life( becca, isn't now just great?). Why does everything have to be shallow? Why does everyone of the opposite sex, or of the same sex, have to offer me something in return?
People immediately assume you're pursuing something. Why does that always have to be the case? It takes a lot of humility and maturity to accept friendships in all shapes and sizes. They don't always come from where you expect.
Rudz
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A brief comment. I find my relations with women to be the best ones. They often go the deepest and last the longest (Listen up. Lotte and Ingrid). Sex doesn't have to be a factor at all.
I find male relationships (sometimes) to be marred ever so slightly with competition in one form or another - it can be kept in check in better male relationships, but it's always there. The best male relationships I have are often ones based on a practical activity (watching a movie, sports or crafts) As a sidekick you sometimes get to scratch the surface a little bit.
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