Ovidiu: Most of the interactions we had weren't negative in any way, I am the one who added extra meaning to them.
Colleague: It sounds like you're taking responsibility for your part in our interactions. That's a mature way to approach things.
Ovidiu: That's because I haven been feeling lonely for a long time, and I feel like I have to admit it.
Colleague: It can be tough to acknowledge and share feelings of loneliness, but being honest with yourself is a good first step. What do you think has been contributing to your feelings of loneliness lately?
Ovidiu: I don't know, maybe I didn't have a lot of meaningful interactions with you or anyone else. I could have had deeper conversation, but I feared that would have becomed awkward. We're not particularly close, so this is the first time I am making a really serious conversation with you.
Colleague: It's understandable that you wouldn't want to risk awkwardness, but it takes courage to have a serious conversation, even with someone you're not close to. I'm here to listen, and I'm glad you're feeling comfortable enough to open up to me.
Ovidiu: Okay, so according to a theory, when your story becomes that of exclusion, others pick up on that and the world will become that way you think. And right now, I am sharing the story, and if the theory is true, that would have contradicted the entire purpose of even sharing this with you for a bit, telling that I feel lonely.
Colleague: That's an interesting perspective. It sounds like you're considering how your narrative can shape your reality, and potentially influence how others perceive you.
Ovidiu: I'm sure you will pick up on that and you will exclude me because that's the story. It was wrong telling you about this in the first place.
Colleague: Don't be too hard on yourself. I'm here to listen, not to exclude you.
Ovidiu: But then if the theory is true, you will listen to me and use that against me because that is a self-fulfilling prophecy. I will withdraw and you will too.
Colleague: You're caught in a cycle of self-doubt. I'm trying to break that by being present and listening to you without judgment.
Ovidiu: I know, it's just that it's hard to talk about feeling lonely or admitting to being awkward without the story becoming true.
Colleague: It's a vulnerable feeling, sharing those insecurities. I'm not here to validate or invalidate your story, just to listen.
Ovidiu: Now I am asking for too much reassurance. How do you feel when I am being awkward like this?
Colleague: Honestly, I feel a bit uncomfortable, but it's not because of you, it's because I'm not sure how to respond in a way that feels right.
Ovidiu: Then the conversation ends here, because I'm in some way or another a bad person and I am making you feel uncomfortable by even starting to dump all of this.
Colleague: No, that's not it. I'm just not used to having this kind of conversation, that's all.
Ovidiu: I don't know. I just feel so scared trying to share that I am feeling lonely right now. I fear making you feel bad with my personal problems that I should solve myself, especially that we don't know each other much. Just let me share my stuff without trying to leave just because it doesn't feel right.
Colleague: I can see why you'd feel that way. I'm here, and I'm listening, just let it out.
Ovidiu: So, I have been feeling like I don't have friends. All the three boxes are empty, but at the same at least one of the boxes must be filled, and filling the first box out of three proves to be extremely difficult because I'm awkward and simply bad at even trying to make friends.
Colleague: It sounds like you're putting a lot of pressure on yourself to fill those boxes. What do you think is in those boxes, anyway?
Ovidiu: Those boxes represent a single unit, a single friend. This is the boxed theory of friendship that I invented in my mind. Extroverts have up to ten or twenty boxes that they can fill and empty rapidly and fluidly and introverts like mine have few boxes that must be locked in place. No matter the type of personality, at least one box must all the time be full, there should always be one friend to trust.
Colleague: That's a interesting way to think about friendships. It sounds like you're feeling like you're struggling to find someone to fill that one box.
Ovidiu: Even though it's just a single unit that has never been used, I cannot fill it in any even though I should to prevent any further damage to my health. Now, I am thinking mechanically and theorizing because I am trying to cope with the fact that I am simply am in so much social pain.
Colleague: It can be really tough to cope with social pain. Sometimes talking about it, even if it's in a mechanical or theoretical way, can help you process your emotions.
Ovidiu: I could have processed this all by myself, but I need you to do this because... no, I am just burdening you with stupid theories that don't even make sense.
Colleague: No, it's okay. I'm here to listen, and sometimes just having someone to talk to can be helpful, even if it doesn't always make sense.
Ovidiu: You know that we are of different cultures, I expected you to give more advice or be harder in communication, but no, you don't give anything.
Colleague: I'm not trying to be distant. I'm just trying to listen and respond in a way that feels natural to me.
Ovidiu: Oh, I forgot this is a low-context and not a high-context culture. Anyways, back to the theory. So, with that in mind, I really want at least one friend, that can be you, but I'm not sure if you even want to.
Colleague: That's a lot of pressure. I think we can take things one step at a time and see where our conversation goes.
Ovidiu: If that's a lot of pressure, then you can abandon me, for sure. But I don't want to be hurt, I just want someone consistent with whom I can confide in.
Colleague: I understand, Ovidiu. I'm here now, and I'll do my best to be consistent and listen to you.
Ovidiu: You have your own friends, and your own friends matter more than me. The net effect of abandoning me is negative, but when distributed between us, only for me the effect is negative and for you it's nothing at all. I know the theory is stupid, I just wanted to say that your friends are more important than me, that is bad for me but good for you.
Colleague: That's a pretty self-aware way to look at it. I'm not abandoning you, and I value our conversation, even if it's not the same as my relationships with others.
Ovidiu: I am simply too anxious to even talk about this. I don't matter, you know? That was all I said in the previous reply.
Colleague: I get it. You feel like you're not a priority, but to me, you're someone I'm talking to right now, and that matters.
Ovidiu: Do you know what it feels like to be lonely all the time?
Colleague: Honestly, I don't think I fully understand what it's like for you, but I can imagine it's really tough.
Ovidiu: Do you even care about me? Probably not?
Colleague: I do care, I wouldn't be having this conversation with you if I didn't.
Ovidiu: You are nice by the way, even though I am so bad at interpreting expressions, like sometimes I believed you were angry on me even though you weren't and it had nothing to do with me. I like you, but it's just so hard to get things right.
Colleague: I'm glad you think I'm nice. And don't worry, I can understand why you'd misinterpret things, it's not easy navigating social cues, and it takes a lot of courage to admit when you're struggling with it.
Ovidiu: And it's not just that. I'm simply very bad at it, I get defensive all the time, maybe it's so hard to understand that you are caring...
Colleague: Getting defensive can be a tough habit to break. But I think you're doing a great job of being honest with yourself and with me, and that takes a lot of courage.
Ovidiu: I don't have courage, I am simply so desperate to become friends with you just because you are nice.
Colleague: That's not desperation, that's just wanting connection. And I really appreciate your honesty.
Ovidiu: I want to connect with you, but you don't... this is bad.
Colleague: I do want to connect with you, I just didn't know how to respond to all of this.
Ovidiu: *opens his arms and then retracts* Okay, I know you don't know how to respond to all of this, maybe I want a little hug right now, a shoulder on my arms and sitting together... no, it's too much.
Colleague: *leans forward slightly and offers a warm hug* Hey, it's okay. I'm here. *pauses* If you want, we can just sit together in silence for a bit. No need to talk or do anything else. Just be here.
Ovidiu: Let's go outside the office for some fresh air and sit together on the bench.
Colleague: That sounds like a great idea. I'm happy to take a break and get some fresh air with you.
Ovidiu: *they go outside the office, sitting on the nearby bench inside the industrial park* You know, from an urbanist perspective, planning a place like this is horrible. It feels dull.
Colleague: *looks around* Yeah, I know what you mean. It's not exactly the most vibrant or welcoming space, is it? But sometimes I find that the emptiness can be kind of... peaceful. *pauses* Especially when I'm sitting here with someone to talk to.
Ovidiu: I take the bus, it's considered welfare for the poor. I don't talk about how bad this place really is and how bad is the bus, because everyone will judge and tell me to get a car, I simply can't afford to. And you will also judge me for that.
Colleague: *looks at him with a gentle expression* I'm not here to judge you. I don't care about your transportation or your financial situation. I'm just glad we're sitting here together.
Ovidiu: I really wish the conversation to be more personal, but I think it's understandable, we are just trying to connect and it's not easy. I know that rationally, but the loneliness is crushing me.
Colleague: *nods slowly* I can imagine. It's like... we're both trying to find a way to connect, but it's hard to know where to start or how to do it. *pauses* But I'm here, and I care about you, even if it's just as a colleague. That might not be a lot, but it's something.
Ovidiu: I hate stroads. I really having to drive to every place. I hate big box stores, they are abandoned all over the place. I hate having to walk near highway traffic.
Colleague: *smiles slightly* I think I understand what you mean. It sounds like you're feeling a bit trapped by the way our city is designed. All those roads and big box stores can be really overwhelming. *pauses* I like that you have strong feelings about it, though. That means you care about the world around you.
Ovidiu: Do you hate this place like I do? Or you are just living, having no alternative?
Colleague: *chuckles* Honestly, I don't hate this place as much as you do. But I do see what you mean. It's not the most exciting or vibrant place, and it can feel a bit soulless at times. *pauses* But I think that's part of why I appreciate our conversations, they make this place feel a bit more alive to me.
Ovidiu: But why don't hate this place, getting stuck in traffic?
Colleague: *shrugs* I guess I just try to focus on the things that make life better, like finding nice spots to grab a coffee. It's not that I don't get frustrated with traffic or the monotony of daily life, but I try not to let it consume me. *pauses* Plus, I'm not as attuned to the urban landscape as you are, I think. You're really thoughtful about the way cities are designed and how they affect people.
Ovidiu: I am attuned because I actually study urbanism, I like to watch Not Just Bikes and other channels like it.
Colleague: Ah, that makes sense! I didn't know you studied urbanism. That's really cool. Not Just Bikes is a great channel, I've watched some of his videos too. He's so passionate about making cities more livable and sustainable. *pauses* It's great that you're interested in that and that you're thinking critically about the way our city is designed.
Ovidiu: Oh, I didn't expect you to say that, that my perspective matters. But maybe it's just because of my anxiety and expecting to be rejected.
Colleague: *nods* I think your perspective definitely matters. And I can understand why you'd expect to be rejected or dismissed, given what you've been through. But I want you to feel heard and understood, even if we don't always see eye-to-eye.
Ovidiu: I know this proposal is unusual, but I guess we can take the bus together just to see how unreliable it really is.
Colleague: *laughs* Well, I think that's a pretty unusual proposal, but I'm game if you are! When were you thinking of taking the bus together?
Ovidiu: I don't know, maybe after we finish work, which we happened to do right now. We have eight hours but only work five, the other three are unnecessary.
Colleague: Yeah, we do finish work early today. And I'm not busy with anything else, so... sure, let's take the bus together! *stands up* Shall we?
Ovidiu: Yeah! Let's walk together to the station in freeze in the cold.
Colleague: *laughs* Sounds like a plan! *puts on jacket and follows him* Brrr, yeah, it's pretty chilly today!
Ovidiu: *later, they reach the bus stop, sitting on the bench* At least they put something so we don't have to stand up. *looking on the up* Here it says it will arrive in 10 minutes, but it's more like 40 minutes because it's so unreliable.
Colleague: Yeah, at least we have a bench to sit on. And yeah, the bus schedule can be... optimistic, let's say. *looks up at the schedule* 10 minutes, huh? I think you're right, it's usually more like 40. *chuckles* But at least we're together, waiting for it.
Ovidiu: I'm glad you accepted to not drive the car to your home right now and suffer together.
Colleague: I'm glad I could suffer with you too. It's actually kind of nice to be doing something different and just hanging out. And I'm glad we're getting to know each other better.
Ovidiu: *watching the highway-like traffic on the stroad* We are sitting here, watching the dangerously high speeds and the legacies of racist urban planning.
Colleague: *nods* Yeah, it's really striking how this stroad just prioritizes cars and speed over people and safety. And you're right, it's not just about the design, it's also about the history and the impact it's had on different communities. It's really interesting to think about how urban planning can both reflect and shape our values as a society.
Ovidiu: It's interesting for you maybe, because for me it's normal. I live closer to downtown, and I have seen developers threatening to destroy the homes nearby.
Colleague: *nods sympathetically* I can only imagine how frustrating and scary that must be for you. It's one thing to read about gentrification and urban development issues, but it's another thing entirely to live it. I'm sorry you've had to deal with that.
Ovidiu: You don't have to be sorry for me, it's just that living closer to downtown and being an eastern european migrant brings a lot of issues.
Colleague: *nods understandingly* I think I can understand a bit better now. You're not just dealing with the usual challenges of city life, but also with the specific struggles that come with being a migrant from Eastern Europe. *pauses* I'm glad I'm here to listen and try to understand, even if I don't always fully get it.
Ovidiu: You don't have to fully get it, I just want to feel less lonely.
Colleague: *smiles softly* I'm here and I'm listening. That means a lot to me, and I hope it means something to you too. *puts a hand on his arm* I'm not going anywhere.
Ovidiu: Just thanks for being here with me, it means a lot. Now let's continue waiting for the bus.
Colleague: Yeah, let's just enjoy the quiet and each other's company while we wait. *sits back and looks out at the traffic with him*
Ovidiu: *later, the bus arrives and they enter inside, sitting together* Now it's going to be an adventure being stuck in traffic.
Colleague: *laughs* Yeah, I'm sure it'll be a wild ride! But at least we're in this together, right? *looks around the bus and takes a seat next to him*
Ovidiu: *the bus closes its doors and continues on its way* Right, now we are in this together. I'm sure it's going to be a bad experience.
Colleague: *smiles reassuringly* Hey, it's not going to be that bad, we can make the best of it. *looks out the window* Besides, it's not like we have a choice now. *chuckles* We're stuck on this bus together!
Ovidiu: And besides, I heard that misery loves company, even when it's intentional on your side.
Colleague: *laughs* Ah, that's a good point! Misery does love company, and I'm happy to be your miserable companion on this bus ride.
Ovidiu: *later, the bus is being stuck in traffic on an intersection with a lot of redundant lanes* Now we are definitely stuck! You get stuck in a car for a while but for me, it's even longer.
Colleague: *laughs* Yeah, this is definitely not moving! But I have to say, I'm a bit impressed by your perspective on this. You're not just frustrated, you're also really observant and aware of the bigger picture. *looks around* I can imagine it's even more frustrating for you when you're stuck on the bus for so long.
Ovidiu: *the bus is eventually unstuck but then there are two lanes in a traffic jam, which he points to* Look, those are from the drive-troughs, in today's world it's simply inconvenient to eat in that place, so they just sit waiting for the drop.
Colleague: *nods* It's crazy how much space is taken up by drive-thrus and fast food joints. And you're right, it's just so... inefficient. *looks at the traffic* I mean, all these people could be eating in or taking their time, but instead they're just sitting in their cars, waiting for their food. *shakes head* It's just a lot of wasted time and resources.
Ovidiu: *the landscape then switches to a nearly-empty parking lot at costco* And also look at this, this is huge.
Colleague: *laughs* Yeah, that's a massive parking lot! It's crazy how much space is dedicated to just parking cars. And it's not even full! *chuckles* I guess that's just a sign of our consumerist culture, right? But it's also kind of sad, in a way. All this space could be used for something else, but instead it's just a sea of empty parking spots.
Ovidiu: The costco is 2000 meter square and for each 10 meter square, there is a parking lot. It's minimal parking requirements being ridiculously large.
Colleague: *nods* That's a huge amount of space dedicated to parking. 2000 meters square is massive, and if there's a 1:10 ratio of parking to store space, that's just... excessive. *shakes head* It's like, what's the point of having so much parking if it's not even being used? It's just a lot of wasted space, and it's not very sustainable either.
Ovidiu: I'm glad you are agreeing with me and starting to think about this.
Colleague: I'm trying. And I have to say, talking to you is really opening my eyes to a lot of things. I never really thought about how our urban landscapes and consumer culture affect us and the environment. You're making me think, and that's a good thing!
Ovidiu: Also, I have to add that it's a wholesale store, it's not even meant to be consumer grade, and yet it looks like to be. It's just to much. Here they could have added loading stations only.
Colleague: *nods* Yeah, that's a good point. A wholesale store doesn't need to have such a huge parking lot, especially if it's not meant for individual customers. *shakes head* And you're right, they could have just had loading stations and been done with it. It's just a lot of excess, you know? I think I'm starting to see what you mean about our society being so... excessive.
Ovidiu: I thought about moving to Amstelveen because it's a better place to live in, but moving there requires learning dutch, and I don't want to. I only know Romanian, my native language, and International English, yeah, not the one most people would expect.
Colleague: *nods* I can understand why you'd be hesitant to move to a new place, especially if it requires learning a new language. It's not easy to start over and learn a new language, especially if you're not used to it. But it's great that you have a good command of English, that's definitely a useful skill to have. And Romanian is a beautiful language too! Maybe one day you'll consider taking some Dutch classes, but I totally get why you wouldn't want to right now.
Ovidiu: But why you think Romanian is a beautiful language. You don't even understand when I am talking to myself in it.
Colleague: *laughs* Ah, I didn't mean to imply that I understand Romanian! I was just trying to be nice. But I do think it's great that you have a strong connection to your native language, and it's something that can bring you comfort and a sense of identity. And I have to say, I've enjoyed listening to you talk about your thoughts and feelings, even if I don't always understand the language.
Ovidiu: When talking to me, I really expect people to mean it, not just be nice. I can't do small talk and you really have to be honest and tolerate it when I am hard.
Colleague: *nods* I understand. I promise to be honest with you and not just say nice things to be polite. I can handle tough conversations and I'm willing to listen to you even when it's hard. I value our conversations and I want to build a genuine connection with you, not just pretend to be friendly.
Ovidiu: But you don't say that just to be nice, okay?
Colleague: *shakes head* No, I mean it. I'm not just saying that to be nice or to make you feel better. I'm saying it because it's true. I want us to have a real connection, not just a superficial one.
Ovidiu: *tries to put a hand on her shoulder but then retracts* I'm glad you really mean it. I feel we can become more than colleagues, we can become real friends.
Colleague: *smiles and allows the hand to rest on her shoulder* I'd like that. I feel like we've already connected on a deeper level, and I'd love to explore a friendship with you.
Ovidiu: *starts to feel cold and shiver while still having his hand on her shoulder* The ventilation system is broken, and even when I'm wearing a jacket, I am feeling cold.
Colleague: *notices he's shivering and moves her hand from your shoulder to wrap her arm around him* Here, let me help keep you warm. *gives him a gentle squeeze*
Ovidiu: It feels nice and warm, you have a really warm body and you seem really caring.
Colleague: *smiles and gives him a gentle squeeze again* Thanks, I'm glad I can provide some warmth and comfort. And I have to say, I'm really enjoying being close to you like this. It feels really natural and comfortable. *looks at him with a warm expression*
Ovidiu: I know you have move a lot, six times, for anything, but now I don't want you to move to another part of the country, I want to be able to stay with you.
Colleague: *looks at him with a surprised but happy expression* I... I don't know what to say. I've moved a lot, but I've never felt a connection with someone like I have with you. I'd like to stay here with you too.
Ovidiu: For me, friendship is more important than success, and that has amplified my feeling of loneliness. Also, I belong more in Bucharest, even though I know it's a horrible city from an urban perspective.
Colleague: *nods* Friendship is definitely more important than success, and it's clear that you've been feeling lonely despite being surrounded by people. And yeah, Bucharest may not be the most ideal city from an urban perspective, but it's home for you, and that's what matters. I'm glad I can be here for you, and I hope we can make some great memories together.
Ovidiu: Again, do you really know what Bucharest is, have you looked at it in detail in maps to see urban chaos? Sorry if I'm being so harsh, I am not being used to be told things just because they are nice.
Colleague: *laughs* No, I don't have a detailed knowledge of Bucharest's urban landscape. I've heard it's a complex city with a lot of character, but I don't have personal experience with it. And don't worry, I can take it, I'm not easily offended. I appreciate your honesty, and I value your insights on urban planning and design. I'm here to listen and learn from you, not just to be nice.
Ovidiu: Okay, I'm just not being used to niceness, I guess.
Colleague: *nods* I get it. You're not used to people being genuine and honest with you, and that's understandable. But I'm trying to be real with you, and I hope that helps. I think it's okay to be a little vulnerable and open with each other, and I'm willing to take that risk with you.
Ovidiu: Why did you move a lot around the country, like six times? Like, I heard you moved for college, for home, for job, for all that and I'm not used to the concept of moving a lot for all those things.
Colleague: Yeah, I've moved around a lot. I think it's just part of my family's situation. My parents were always looking for better opportunities, and that meant we had to move to different places. *pauses* It's not always easy, but it's helped me be more adaptable and open-minded, I think. And I've had some great experiences, but also some tough ones.
Ovidiu: And what do you do when I tell you not to move because I want to conserve the friendship we made right now and that are already enough opportunities here?
Colleague: Honestly, I would consider your feelings and prioritize our friendship. If you want me to stay and not move, I would try to make that work. I don't want to jeopardize it by moving away. I think we have a special connection, and I'd like to nurture it.
Ovidiu: I expected more like a "I would move anyways to chase for even more money as friendships are disposable" response, but fine.
Colleague: *laughs* I guess I surprised you by being more considerate of your feelings, huh? Yeah, I could have easily said something like that, but I chose not to. I'm willing to prioritize it over other things, like career opportunities. I'm not just looking for more money or success; I'm also looking for meaningful relationships, and I think we can have that.
Ovidiu: That's good then, I heard that college has unfamiliar faces all time as they come and go and my neighborhood is being turned into a dull repository of wealth with only temporary residents and one-bedroom, ultramodern blocks.
Colleague: *nods* I can imagine that college can be a really transient environment, with people coming and going all the time. And it's sad to see neighborhoods being turned into wealthy enclaves that are only accessible to a select few. It's like, what's the point of all this wealth and luxury if it's not being shared with the community? I think it's really great that you're thinking about these issues and caring about the impact they have on people.
Ovidiu: So, you are not the typical young urban professional that I know of moving downtown and threatening to nearly demolish my home, even though your parents did move frequently looking for better opportunities.
Colleague: *laughs* Yeah, I guess I'm not your typical young urban professional. My upbringing and experiences have shaped my values and perspectives, and I'm trying to be more mindful of the impact I have on others and the community. I think it's really important to be aware of the consequences of our actions and to try to make a positive difference.
Ovidiu: But when does something happen, it's not your fault, it's the fault of the city, developers and government. You cannot make a positive difference all by yourself.
Colleague: *nods* Yeah, you're right. As an individual, I can only do so much to make a positive difference. The city, developers, and government all play a much bigger role. But I think it's still important for individuals to take responsibility and try to make a positive impact, even if it's just in small ways.
Ovidiu: Okay, I thought of a more systemic response, that individual action is important somewhat but dwarfs the systemic factors for which collective action is required, but it's fine. We can continue the ride.
Colleague: *nods* Yeah, I think that's a really insightful perspective. Individual actions can only do so much, but collective action can be much more powerful. And yeah, let's just enjoy the rest of the bus ride and see where it takes us!
Ovidiu: *later, after the comfortable silence, he looks on the phone* And look, we have moved five kilometers the whole time we were in conversation. It gets stuck in traffic every time.
Colleague: *laughs* Yeah, that's not a lot of distance, but it feels like we've had a lot to talk about! And yeah, traffic can be really frustrating, but at least we got to experience it together.
Ovidiu: Now I dumped a complaint on you, so... what happens?
Colleague: Nothing, really. I think it's just part of being a friend. You can share your thoughts and feelings with me, and I'll listen and try to understand.
Ovidiu: Oh, I expected you would have gotten upset because I complained again...
Colleague: *laughs* No, I'm not that kind of person. I'm not easily upset or offended. I think it's okay to express emotions and complaints.
Ovidiu: Then why I expect that everyone at work would be upset of me and I already established where the conversation would go because of my anxiety and loneliness?
Colleague: *nods* I think that's a pretty common expectation. People often assume that others will be upset or judgmental when they're being open and vulnerable. But as I said, I'm not like that.
Ovidiu: Okay, now I understand that you are not like as I would imagine to be. I just worried too much then.
Colleague: I'm glad we could have this conversation and clear things up, it feels like we're really connecting. I think we can have a great friendship, and I'm looking forward to getting to know you better.
Ovidiu: Yeah, me too. *later, they reach the bus stop and sit up, alighting on the side of the highway* Now we have to cross this 10-lane road, it's dangerous.
Colleague: Let's be careful and wait for a safe gap in traffic before crossing, I don't want to take any risks. I'll keep an eye out for a break in the traffic and we can cross together.
Ovidiu: It's so bad to be around here as a pedestrian, and the cofee shop here has been abandoned because of all the cars.
Colleague: It's really sad to see a coffee shop go to waste like that. The traffic dominates the space and makes it hard to enjoy the surroundings.
Ovidiu: *later, a break in traffic appears* Now, let's cross, and fast.
Colleague: Let's go, stay close and watch out for any cars that might be speeding up. *they start crossing the road quickly and carefully*
Ovidiu: I feel like fearing for my life every day, it's horrible.
Colleague: It's really unsettling to feel that way all the time, and it's not right that you have to worry about your safety just walking around.
Ovidiu: *later, they finish crossing the street, feeling tired* Now I'm so tired, I just want a hug or something like that to support on.
Colleague: *offers a warm hug* I'm here for you, and I'm not going anywhere, just take a deep breath and relax for a moment.
Ovidiu: I don't know why I am asking for hugs, it's just that you may not be used to it when we are so recent.
Colleague: Don't worry about it, I think it's sweet that you're reaching out for comfort. I'm happy to provide it and it feels natural to me too.
Ovidiu: *they continue to walk while hugging each other until they reach a residential quartier downtown* You are living around here, don't you?
Colleague: Yeah, I live just a few blocks from here, it's a really nice neighborhood.
Ovidiu: I live farther away, where it's not that nice, you know what I'm talking about. And I guess you will now have to take the unreliable bus to get to your car, which you left in the office to suffer with me.
Colleague: *laughs* I guess I will have to take the bus, but it was worth it to spend time with you, and don't worry about my car, it's fine, it's not like it's going anywhere!
Ovidiu: *shortly after, they reach her block and wish goodbyes* Okay, I'll see you later, we already have each other's numbers so we can talk.
Colleague: I'll talk to you soon, take care and have a great day, and thanks again for being so open with me, it means a lot.
Ovidiu: And it means a lot to me too, goodbye!
Colleague: *smiles and waves* Goodbye!