(Average Reading Time: 4 minutes)
Yesterday, I had a video call with Andrea, someone I had the pleasure of working with back when I was living in Barcelona. Andrea and I were quite close, and along with Alberto, another colleague from our team, we used to go swimming twice a week. We shared breaks, went for after-work drinks, and had intimate conversations—all as a trio. It felt like an empowering and well-balanced brotherhood. But life took its course, and our bond slowly faded as new adventures drew us into different environments, new people, and new groups.
A month ago, I reached out to Andrea for a work recommendation, and he didn’t hesitate to respond. That simple message sparked a conversation that eventually led to the video call I mentioned.
Andrea is one of those rare people who brings harmony wherever he goes, without even trying. He has this approachable, non-judgmental vibe, and he’s easy to talk to—kind, generous, knowledgeable, and creative. On top of that, he has an infectious sense of humor. As we talked, I couldn’t help but think, “How did I let such a great friend slip away from my life?” We realized we hadn’t spoken in eight years! When we did the math, we kept repeating, “crazy, crazy.” But is it really? For me, this has become a normal pattern.
I’ve started my life over at least five times, each time in a different country, with different languages, cultures, and, of course, social circles. My whole life has been lived abroad. When I was nine, my mother and I moved to Italy, and we never really went back. That meant leaving behind friends and relatives who were close to me during my childhood. This wasn’t by choice—it’s just a reality I had to accept early on. When you move so much, you need to emotionally adjust, letting go of people in order to make room for the new ones you meet at each stage of life.
This conversation with Andrea made me reflect, but I will not turn it into some resolution. My bucket list already has enough to-dos, and the last thing I need is another random one. However, what I am taking away from this amazing reconnection is the importance of nurturing the unique relationships that currently bring me joy. I am realising more and more, even though pretty late, that it’s not just about moving on to new experiences, but about recognizing the value of the connections we’ve made along the way. Life may constantly evolve, but it’s the enduring relationships that provide a sense of continuity, grounding us in who we are, no matter where we go.
