I suffered a lot because of friends! I wasn't understood even as a small child... neither by my parents, nor by my siblings, nor by friends or other people. I shut myself in and became lonely. For a long time. And for a very, very long time, I couldn't find anyone to appreciate and accept me as I am, apart from my husband and my confessor.
I suffered from social anxiety for many years. I was afraid to talk to people... I considered myself strange and unworthy of communicating with others; I was very scared of being judged or ridiculed. I really wanted to get rid of this problem. I prayed to God to help me. I applied psychological methods that at first worked and didn't work, but I continued and... thank God!, I evolved little by little. Now I can express myself much more easily in front of people and with much less fear.
I also prayed a lot to God to grant me people who would understand my soul and listen to me as well. And... I think He heard my prayer. I met a person whom I adored even before meeting them in reality; we had only communicated virtually. A person whom I already felt was my friend, as if we had known each other for a lifetime. The person to whom I sent stories about my sufferings and weaknesses and who always comforted me with their words and helped me get up when I needed it.
Until... the miracle my heart longed for also happened! The wonderful person I wanted to meet at least for a hug, I met for several hugs, discussions, and smiles! A great joy for my soul! Wonderful people still exist! They are rarer, but they exist, and God makes the meeting possible if you truly wish for it! And... I managed to communicate normally, I was myself, I felt listened to, appreciated. What joy!
This meeting remained like a shining light in my heart, a light that helped me see life differently. The day of this wonderful meeting truly was a day of celebration for me! Thank God for answering my prayer in a way only He knows how!
Iulia Enache
Photography by Andreea Stanciu