When Paths Cross for a Reason

The Friends Who Feel Like Fate

I’ve thought about this so much, and I’m finally putting it into words.

Is it just coincidence or luck that we meet certain people in life? After my last conversation with a friend, I can’t believe it’s purely random. There has to be a higher force—or some reason—why we’re drawn to certain people.

Looking back on my relationships, from school up until today, I’ve crossed paths with a small but memorable set of people. Here’s what stands out: every single one of them has had a troubled past. Each one has shared their own stories of frustration with the way they were raised, with plenty of tales about what felt wrong in their lives, just like I’ve experienced.

I’m not the type to open up easily, but with these people, it feels natural to share everything that’s been weighing on me. Strangely, it’s not like they reveal their traumas first—I just start pouring out my story, almost impulsively, and they’ll say, “Man, I’ve gone through the same stuff.”

Whether it’s been roommates, classmates, someone random I met in a chat, or a person I connected with at a MUN conference, all of them had gone through similar hardships. And what makes these relationships special is how real I feel when I’m with them. I don’t need to filter myself or hide any part of who I am. I can just be, without the slightest fear of being judged. When tough experiences crop up again, these are the people I turn to. There’s a comfort in knowing they get it.

Friendships and connections like these are lasting because they’re built on shared experiences. We’re naturally empathetic with each other, offering whatever support we can, because we’ve walked similar paths. These conversations are part of healing, allowing us to accept the parts of ourselves we may have ignored or tried to hide. They help us see that we’re not alone, that no one has a flawless past, no matter how it may seem.

FRIENDSHIPS

Growing up, we all have those moments where we long for someone who just gets it, someone who can tell us that everything will be okay. The empathy of someone who’s faced similar struggles feels like a lifeline. Listening to their stories of overcoming fears and navigating tough times reminds us how resilient we are as humans.

While some friendships may fade, connections built on shared experiences have a “pick-up-where-you-left-off” quality. We can go months without talking, yet when we reconnect, it’s like no time has passed. We’ll catch up in minutes and dive back into conversation, picking up right where we left off.

Talking with people who’ve lived through similar pasts allows us to see how our old traumas still shape us. It can be eye-opening to discuss the triggers and responses that linger, sometimes unnoticed, until they’re pointed out by someone who truly understands. These talks can be life-changing.

I’ve always believed that we are shaped by our choices, but these encounters have reinforced my belief that there’s more to it—that vibes, energy, or whatever you want to call it, are real. The people we’re drawn to, or who find their way to us, resonate on a deeper level. Maybe science hasn’t fully explained it yet, but whatever it is, it’s undeniably real.

As a reader, do you agree with this that the people we attract are because of our own thought process? Do let me know where else you have felt like this in your lives!

Until Next time,

#SpreadingSmiles,

Aryan