One Perfect Moment {Making Friends} | Life

One Perfect Moment is all about those moments, big or small, that make you wish they'd last forever. Those moments you want to stop in time, when everything feels perfect, even for just a split-second. Snapshots of the mind. Moments to treasure forever.

One of the things I was nervous about when it came to starting Tafe was making friends. Anyone that has meant me probably wonders why on earth this is something I would worry about. I'm a natural born talker. I can talk to anything with ears (including corn) and it's been said that I could probably even talk while buried under wet cement.

But there's a big difference between being able to talk the leg off a table and making actual friends. I'm an outgoing person, however I find it really daunting approaching people and striking up a conversation with them. It's why I suck at networking things, because I'm always waiting for someone to come up and start talking to me, rather than the other way around.

So when it came to Tafe I was really nervous. I knew once I actually got started talking to someone it would be fine. It was just the getting started part I was worried about.Thankfully I needent have worried. Everyone in my class is super nice, and it helps that we all have a shared love of photography to connect us.

There have been a couple of people in particular that I have clicked with, and it's been really nice to have people to sit and chat with on breaks and while we eat our lunch. We've shared about our lives, how it is we came to be at Tafe, why it is that we love photography and want to pursue it.

There are some really lovely outdoor spaces at Tafe to sit and eat and relax. I've spent the last 4 Tafe days getting to know people that I probably would never have met had it not been for this course. Like the 19 year old Early Childhood Teacher who, after working every day since she left school and who wants to learnt to take better photos that she can give to the parents of the children she works with.

I'm loving everything I'm learning at Tafe and I'm so grateful that I've met people that I've connected with and enjoy chatting to. It's made Tafe just that little bit easier, and I'm so excited to step-up and do the Diploma next year. Hopefully some of the people I've met this year will be there to continue the journey with me next year.

And if not? I'm sure I'll make new friends, and cherish the process all over again.

Do you find it easy make friends? Do you struggle when it comes to meeting new people and having to introduce yourself?



Comments

Michelle said…
Lovely pics!
Mystery Case said…
I'm pretty sure I need to get out more, so when I do occasionally get out and meet new people, I don't come across as so much of a douche bag.


With all your talk about Tafe and photography, I'm wanting to sign up myself. I will be attending a free photography workshop on Friday night with one of my favourite Perth photographers. Can't wait. I'm guessing I will want to upgrade my rather basic DSLR the minute it starts.
Natalie @ Our Parallel Connect said…
I understand what you mean Kylie. I can talk easily and with work, no probe but sometimes starting a new activity like Tafe means you are meeting people you may not have much in common with. Good on you for taking steps to improve your life.
Good on you putting yourself out there. It can be daunting making friends but it's so rewarding!! Jx
Tash from Gift Grapevine said…
I remember feeling the same in my uni days but everyone is in the same boat and soon enough I met some lovely people. Back then I couldn't bury my head in a phone though if I didn't have anyone to talk to! At least you all have photography as a shared love and I'm sure the Peppa Pig drink bottle was a good conversation starter :) I feel like I have forgotten how to "network". I've got my first ever blogging workshop this Saturday and the prospect of going along only knowing a few people from reading their blogs is daunting!
Caroline Raj said…
As I've gotten older I have found it harder to make friends. Acquaintances yes. People happy to have a chat but it is harder to connect and say be invited around for a drink on the weekend. However, having lived overseas and in different cities it has forced me to reach out and I think if you are willing to connect then in turn others will too. Glad you are enjoying TAFE. It must be great to talk photography all day!
Toni said…
I make friends quite easily but I'm still really shy and extremely nervous when I meet new people. I'm also incredibly jealous of your course!
It can be quite daunting to meet new people! I used to struggle to make friends and then in the past two years have managed to push myself and make some really good friends through hiking/camping. I was worried about friends too when I went back to uni last year...I don't think I've made friends though because I am only part-time and classes are in the evening after work which makes it harder to socialise but I did meet some nice people. Good luck with TAFE....sounds like this course is amazing as are the people.
Bec@pinchmebeautiful said…
Good on you for getting back to Tafe! would scare the crap out of me. I get so nervous meeting new people. Making friends the older you get, gets harder. Enjoy your new journey! would love to do a photography course after doing that 1-on-1 workshop the other weekend. xBec
Rebecca U said…
I struggle with making new friends now. Part of me feels that I don't really need any more so can't be bothered with it all - sad? lol. Great to hear about a new link up though - will get on it! #mummymondays
Gorgeous pics! The girls seem to be growing with every capture!
Amy Freshfield said…
I definitely struggle. ...i always have this feeling that as soon as i open my mouth they'll think i'm an idiot! That being said, i am going to a meet and greet dinner on Thursday for new Kinder parents, as i'd like to have a few mummies i can talk to at school pick up. I'm a bit nervous so cross fingers for me!
Alicia-OneMotherHen said…
Oh god, I am hopeless at striking up conversations. I tend to be the one who sits there smiling through other peoples convos as a third wheel! It's a bit like our new playgroup that I take Summer to this year. I feel like I am not connecting with anyone. It helps when there are people with common interests
Eva Lewis said…
I have no problems striking up conversations but I tend to get nervous making friends because I'm worried I won't be able to commit to a friendship and that perhaps people won't like who I am. Stupid I know.

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