What makes us vibe with another person? What is it that makes us connect?

I have been travelling for half a year now. Prior to this, I lived in the same city for about twelve years. I made friends slowly, sticking with the same people and taking my sweet time to express myself freely with the friends I made. It always took time for me before I could feel connected or attached to a person.

On the road it’s different. I open up quicker, I wear fewer layers and masks, I ask for help and support straight away when I need it. I find attachments faster. Somehow, the fact that we will soon part doesn’t make this harder, despite me knowing that the more I like a person, the sadder it will make me. I call people “friend” faster; they are. I dare myself to play, express and explore relationships with new people, and handle the sadness when it comes. It always does, but it’s also always OK. I have learned that I am a slow person, that I need time and space to feel my emotions. I try to give myself that.

And I feel like I show up more, as if moving in the world like this keeps me on my toes. I am here. I have more intimate dances, I have more intimate talks with more nuances of intimacy when I am present like this. It lets me see who else is here with me. It allows us to vibe.

And sometimes the stars align, and the connection is profound, immediate, huge. Sometimes, people knock you off your feet. Even if it only lasts for seconds, the feeling is overwhelming. That’s cool.

I am very curious about who I will be in half a year if I keep moving like this. And who else I will meet, and how we will connect.

Thank you.

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(This story told in pictures.)

Picture by Dimitri Sterkens.