Fostering Supportive Environments

One of my friends just finished learning how to do makeup, and I was telling her to create a business page on social media. She was a little nervous about it, but I told her I was going to help her create content since it’s something I already like doing. She looked at me and suddenly became teary.

It got me scared for a bit because I thought I said something wrong, so I asked why, and then she said she’s never had someone as supportive as me. It got me emotional for a minute, but to release the tension built up in the atmosphere, I made a joke out of the situation, which made her laugh.

After talking to her, I couldn’t help but think about it. I was a little sad that there truly were people who don’t have anyone to support them in whatever they do. For others it’s either lack of parental support or guardianship, and I could go on and on. But in my friend’s case, it was supportive friends. And so when I thought about it, I felt proud that she called me a supportive friend because to me, that’s truly an honorable title.

I remember some months ago, I traveled to be there for a friend who was going through tough times, and after I was returning home, she asked me why I came all the way to be there for her. I laughed it off without answering her because there was none to give.

I grew up in a home where we supported each other through thick and thin. And along the line, I realized it was something normal in my vicinity and even city at large. There were times people came together to help pay someone’s child’s school fees or support someone who just lost someone. I remember clearly how my neighbors used to stay awake all night helping my mom anytime she had a lot of food orders.

There were times I just knew that even if nobody was going to be there for me, I could count on my family or my community. This is the way I grew up and has affected how I relate with people. This is something I learned from my community, and it has been with me since childhood. And as each day passes by, I get to learn more about supporting the people around you.

No, you are not entitled to do that. You are not responsible for anyone, but if you ask me, I’ll do well to remind you that no man is an island. And as humans, we are all we have, and the least we can do is to be there for each other.