I was generally happy most of the time. If someone were to ask me about a specific period to return to, it would be challenging to choose, as I have fond memories from my childhood with good and happy moments including time spent time with friends. However, there was a difficult year when I was 12; I faced bullying from my classmates due to my association with a girl who had been targeted first. Despite the challenges, I would always stand by her side. Under no circumstances would I ever join in with the bullying. I always found it foolish to intentionally hurt someone’s feelings like that even as a child.
I consistently selected one close friend in my class with whom I shared a similar sense of humor. We laughed heartily together, and I preferred individual friendships over group dynamics. Trusting only a few people made my relationships comfortable even in my younger years.
Even now, I am selective about the company I keep. In the UK, I have friends who share similar opinions and thoughts, and none of them say things with cognitive biases (if you’re unfamiliar, check Wikipedia). I dislike people who judge others; everyone is unique, and we should respect their individuality, regardless of factors like skin colour, nationality, or gender.
In hindsight, I realise I made the right choices. Research supports the connection between happiness and relationships. If you’re interested in this subject, you can check the link below. Choosing the right people to be with has a significant impact on your happiness!
>> Cognitive Biases In A Nutshell: https://amzn.to/3S4ABXb (Amazon UK)
>> Lay Off Your Cognitive Biases: https://amzn.to/3tId4Sw (Amazon UK)
>> COGNITIVE BIASES – A Brief Overview of Over 160 Cognitive Biases: https://amzn.to/48f2Gkh (Amazon UK)