Being Present is a Love Language: Congratulations to my Friends//Estar presente es un lenguaje de amor: Felicidades a mis Amigos
Today, I did something small but quite meaningful, I went to sign out my friends who just completed their B.Sc programme. This "signing out" process involves writing a short note on their white shirts. It could be something like “Congratulations,” “You made it, baby girl,” “B.Sc bagged gracefully,” and so on.
Since my first year in university, I’ve always been invited by friends to their sign-out celebrations,.but I couldn't attend either because I was busy or simply didn’t feel like being in a crowd. Today, I also had that same lazy feeling of not wanting to leave my workplace to go and celebrate them. I felt like heading home to rest. But then I remembered, these particular people are my favourite girls. What excuse would I give for not wishing them a final goodbye from B.Sc examinations center?
At first, I had thought sign-outs were just something every final-year student does on their last exam day.
But today, as I wrote on her shirt I found myself reflecting on how far we’ve come since we met two years ago, how our bond grew from random coursemates to friends, then study mates. We’ve sat through the same lectures on some days, shared the same stress, encouraged each other in moments of exhaustion, and now we’re here, smiling and hugging like sisters.
One of these girls is an introvert but very intelligent. Today, she told me again how her friends often ditch her at the end of every semester, only to come close again when it's exam time. She looked a bit lonely today, watching her colleagues have fun with their friends.
That made me realize how much my presence may mean to her. So even though I hadn’t planned to stay long, I ended up walking her around, taking her pictures, and treating us to some ice cream. We were so happy to the extent that one would think I was also graduating.
I won’t lie, I learned something from her experience. As an introvert, she usually keeps to herself, is sensitive to people’s actions, and tends to cut people off when they misbehave. I’ve learned that this attitude can lead to loneliness,.you may not realize it until the day you need people and discover you have no one.
I’ve also learned to be more selective with who I call my friends. I need to know what they want from me, and if I no longer have that thing, will they still stay? Also, checking whether they care about you the same way you care about them is important. You don’t want to be the one giving all the love without receiving any in return.
I also realized the importance of being there for someone, especially when they call on you. I’m not an outgoing person. Before now, I’ve skipped occasions like this even when the friend reminded me. The truth is, I never knew the comfort and sense of belonging that simply being present for a friend could bring. I felt a bit bad for not showing up in the past.
Friends, this is just a reminder that care doesn’t always have to come wrapped in grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s about being present when you’re needed. Being thoughtful. Saying yes when it’s easy to say “I’m busy.” Showing up for friends and making them feel loved. This fosters good relationships and strengthens bonds.
So yes, I was very excited to witness these moments of joy and to celebrate with them. I had a great time and I’m glad I didn’t let laziness or overthinking stop me. I’m even more grateful for the smiles, the hugs, and the memories we created. Definitely, moments like this stay with you, not just in photos, but in the heart.
Thank you for reading
All Images are mine.
![LEER EN ESPANOL]
!¡Hola amigos y Hivers de la comunidad Holus & Lotus!
Espero que estéis todos bien.
Hoy he hecho algo pequeño pero muy significativo: he ido a despedir a mis amigos que acaban de terminar su licenciatura. Este proceso consiste en escribir una pequeña nota en sus camisetas blancas. Puede ser algo así como "Enhorabuena", "Lo has conseguido, pequeña", "B.Sc bagged gracefully", etcétera.
Desde mi primer año en la universidad, siempre he sido invitada por amigos a sus celebraciones de fin de carrera, pero no podía asistir porque estaba ocupada o simplemente no me apetecía estar entre una multitud. Hoy también he tenido esa misma pereza de no querer salir de mi puesto de trabajo para ir a celebrarlo. Me apetecía irme a casa a descansar. Pero entonces recordé que estas personas en concreto son mis chicas favoritas. ¿Qué excusa iba a poner para no desearles un último adiós desde el centro de exámenes de B.Sc?
Al principio, había pensado que las despedidas eran algo que todo estudiante de último curso hace el último día de examen.
Pero hoy, mientras escribía en su camiseta, he reflexionado sobre lo lejos que hemos llegado desde que nos conocimos hace dos años, sobre cómo nuestro vínculo pasó de ser compañeros de curso al azar a amigos y luego compañeros de estudio. Hemos asistido a las mismas clases algunos días, hemos compartido el mismo estrés, nos hemos animado mutuamente en momentos de agotamiento, y ahora estamos aquí, sonriendo y abrazándonos como hermanas.
 Liquid rewards.
Thank you!