"تولد الصداقة في تلك اللحظة عندما يقول شخص لآخر ، "ماذا! أنت أيضًا؟ كنت أعتقد أنني الوحيد."

The essence of this quote is that friendship often blossoms from the recognition of shared experiences or feelings. Think about it—those moments when you realize someone else gets it, they’ve been through what you’ve been through, and suddenly, you’re not alone. It’s like a secret handshake but with emotions and experiences.

Historically, this quote comes from C.S. Lewis, who was a master at capturing the deep connections between people. He had a knack for understanding that friendships aren't just about shared interests, but shared understandings and vulnerabilities. That’s why his works often resonate with people on a deeply personal level.

Picture this: you're at a new job, feeling out of place, maybe a bit overwhelmed. During a lunch break, you strike up a conversation with a co-worker. You’re both a bit nervous—first days are always a bit awkward. But then, you find out you both have a weirdly specific love for obscure sci-fi novels. Suddenly, the tension breaks. You exchange stories about late-night reading marathons and favorite characters. That shared interest, that moment of “You too? I thought I was the only one,” is the beginning of a connection that could grow into a solid friendship.

Applying this wisdom in your own life? Start by being open about your interests and experiences. Sure, it can feel a bit vulnerable to share something personal, but that’s how connections start. Maybe you’re at a party, and you casually mention your obsession with a niche podcast. Someone overhears and jumps in, “No way! I love that podcast too!” Boom—instant connection. Or let’s say you're struggling with something tough, like anxiety. Sharing that experience might feel daunting, but you might be surprised by how many people will nod along, offering their own stories and support.

Now, imagine a scenario. You’ve just moved to a new city and decided to join a book club to meet people. At the first meeting, you’re discussing the latest read, and you bring up an obscure point about the plot that really struck a chord with you. Across the room, someone’s eyes light up—they had the same thought. You both start talking after the meeting, and it turns out you have more in common than just this book. You both moved recently, you both love hiking, and you both find the city's public transportation baffling. That initial spark of recognition grows into weekly hikes and shared dinners. A real friendship, starting from that one moment of recognition.

So, next time you're in a new situation, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Share that quirky interest, that personal struggle, that odd hobby. You never know—someone else might just say, “What! You too? I thought I was the only one,” and a beautiful friendship could be born.