From Hesitation To Connection

From Hesitation to Connection....

As a college-going student, I remember being that person — the quiet one who smiled politely but rarely initiated a conversation.

I wasn’t the movie or song expert everyone around me seemed to be. While my friends bonded over film dialogues and trending playlists, I found my joy in books. Reading was my comfort zone — my constant companion. Cinema halls? Not really my scene.

So whenever someone said, “Oh, you haven’t seen this film?”, I’d shrink a little inside. A voice in my head whispered — “Maybe I’m boring… maybe I’m dumb.”

Looking back now, I realise how unkind that voice was. It took me years to learn that self-acceptance is the key — not just to confidence, but to connection.

Here’s something I’ve come to believe deeply:

Everyone need not know everything.

What you don’t know might actually be a choice. There’s a world of difference between not knowing and not wanting to know.

Back then, I often thought, “I don’t know enough.”

Now, I think, “We all have the capacity to know — and that’s enough.”

During my college days , Truth & Dare was the ultimate icebreaker at freshers’ and farewell parties.

I dreaded it in worry that my answers might sound silly or reveal how unsure I felt.

But the day I finally played, something shifted. I realised everyone was nervous — not just me. Every new entrant was battling the same hesitation.

That experience taught me something invaluable: Vulnerability connects us more deeply than perfection ever can.

And you know what else I learnt?

You don’t have to talk all the time to belong. Sometimes, being an active listener makes you far more memorable than being the loudest voice in the room.

When you truly listen, people feel seen.

And when a good listener finally speaks — everyone listens.

Fast forward a few years — about four years ago, I met someone extraordinary. Books and writing created an instant bridge between us, even before I told her that she had been my favourite author since 2002. #GETSETGO

That one shared inclination sparked a bond that went beyond age, profession, or background. It reminded me that true connection doesn’t require sameness — it thrives on mutual respect for differences.

In a world that glorifies confidence and collaboration, I wish to remind every student and young professional of one thing:

Meaningful connections don’t begin with perfection. They begin with courage, empathy, and a simple “hello.”

Because sometimes, the smallest step — like talking to someone new or simply showing up — can change everything.

Self-acceptance isn’t about becoming louder or more visible — it’s about becoming comfortable in your own space. When you stop apologizing for who you are, you start connecting with others more genuinely.

#SelfAcceptance #Connection #PersonalGrowth #ActiveListening  #CourageToConnect #GETSETGO