I remember a fantastic episode of a science program Catalyst on ABC five years ago. It was one of those well-made TV documentaries – entertaining and educational, once you watch it, it’ll stick with you for a long time.
According to the report’s findings, the number of friends we have is determined by our DNA…
What?! Wait! DNA?! Really?! Seriously?!
Well, no joke. Since it was born out of scientific studies, not some kind of fiction or opinion, I had no reasons for doubting it.
On reflection, my own SMALL circle of friends. What can I say? It hasn’t changed much if anything at all in the last five years or so. Should I try a bit harder? Perhaps not. Am I comfortable with the number of friends I have? Absolutely.
Let’s face it, in this date and age, having more friends equates more fame and more popularity. Who wouldn’t want more of them? The fact is, friends come friends go, whether we like it or not.
Two weeks ago, it was one of those days I felt the need to spring clean my life. Again, easier said than done. Where should I start?
To get the ball rolling, I went to check the stuff in my closet, hesitated. Just give it a break – I mumbled. I already gave away a few clothes to charity the other day. I wasn’t too keen on doing more of it. Then somewhere along the line, on the spur of the moment, I don’t know where I got it from but I heard a voice in my head saying: What about tidying up the friend list on my Facebook account?
Part of me protested. No, I need them there to make my numbers look good. No, they don’t bother me. No, what would they think if I removed them?
Just do it! Sweet Heart. Just freaking do it. Dear.
I did. I took ten friends off the list.
Then there came the infamous break up line: It’s not you, it’s me. Whether it’s that or the other way around. It doesn’t matter. No one cares. Even if they do, they’ll move on very quickly.
After saying sayonara, ciao, bye bye and adios to those friends whom I no longer connect with, there’s been zero impact on my life, at least on the social media front.
If you also buy into the idea of “the number of friends we have is determined by our DNA”, then you’ll find easy to let go of:
- The need to be liked or accepted by someone
- The need to please people
Most importantly, you’ll be totally OK with:
- Being who you are
Time to crunch the numbers: friends, old friends, new friends, no more, no less…
Ted Tsai 