Written by Yiling Wang 2022 Cohort
This is a personal answer to one of the New York Times Learning Network topics. For details, check https://www.nytimes.com/ca/section/learning
I never try to find friends that are intentionally similar to me, which is why some research studies surprised me. It shows that the neural response patterns evoked by the videos proved so congruent among friends. Also, friends may share similar ages, races, religions, socioeconomic statuses, educational levels, political learning, and even strength. However, it is hard to ignore that sometimes friends are different individuals, and one similarity is enough to make a friend.
For example, my friends and I are different. We can come from different countries, other religions, different socioeconomic statuses and etc. Even so, we are still friends if we share the same hobbies, like the same music band or even enjoy the same food. That is why I think friends are not necessarily alike but have something in common. Indeed, it is great to have friends who are the same as you. Since you keep the same energy level and communicate effortlessly. While you may feel in your comfort zone and enjoy the friendship, it can also limit your views and imagination. In my opinion, friends who are different from you may bring you new ideas and inspirations, and if you are open-minded, you will benefit from it. For example, my best friend in High school is different from me. She is negative, but I am comparatively optimistic. She is calm, introverted and cautious, but I am easy-going, outgoing and big-hearted. I intuitively felt she was unique when we first met. We talked about class, family, books and TV series, and I was amazed that her opinions were so contrasting compared with mine, even though we experienced almost the same thing.
I can see the sparks between us when we share opinions, but I enjoy it. Personally, I dislike people who agree with my views all the time. Although we are currently in different countries with 16 hours time difference, we are still close friends.