Food is maybe the only universal thing that really has the power to bring everyone together. No matter what culture, everywhere around the world, people eat together.
(Guy Fieri)
Are you hungry for more than food? Is your heart aching with the emptiness that food cannot fill?
Are you lonely or all alone, especially with the Covid-19 situation. As much as you would like to, you’re not with family or loved ones during this time. You feel the loss because eating together is not just about satisfying your hunger, but about sharing your warmth with each other, filling each other’s emptiness and consoling one another.
But there are other people who may need an authentic friend. Can you be there for them? They’re probably waiting to meet sincere people, people who don’t wear fake masks. Take it off – the mask that keeps you from feeling vulnerable, that’s been camouflaging you for a time, but not really hiding your broken heart.
I think when you learn to be truly interested in people, with no thought about how you will gain from the relationship, people will feel it. In a world with so much fake news, fake stuff and even fake relationships, people are looking for sincerity and authenticity.
So be an authentic person, even if it makes you feel vulnerable. You see, flakiness doesn’t protect us from being hurt. We should remove the mask that hides our true self as easily as we take off the surgical masks we must adorn right now for our own safety, and for the safety of others.
If you don’t have expectations of people, you can see their sincerity all the better. Of course there are some people who will keep taking advantage of you. You have the power; you can choose whom you entrust your heart to.
Remember, don’t give away your heart so easily. Helping people and getting to know them doesn’t mean that you have to give them your complete trust and heart right away. That’s not being wise.
You can start with a simple meal, just eat with someone. Take today to reflect and be thankful for what you have. Although the past year has been difficult, have you tried investing in people?
Don’t lose the hope that you’ll find authentic friends one day and there are sincere people out there. Just like how we are careful with the food we eat and do not put everything that is in front of us right in our mouth (you do that?), be careful with strangers. Choose to believe that all the bad relationships that you’ve formed over the years have taught you to identify true friends better.
You’re a good person, you have to believe that. Choose to eat with people sometimes. Enjoy a meal with others. Get to know them through the meal. No one will be fighting if they have food in their mouths.
Be brave, have a meal with others. You may find life-long friends. Or start a new tradition. Pick a day and make it yours by sharing it with someone. You never know. Together you can be stronger!
