Recorded live in Ringwood, Melbourne, Australia 3134 and Hanoi, Vietnam 100000 on Sunday 2 February 2020.

Welcome to my coffee chat with my little sister from another mother, Su!

We have discussed this topic so many times, but this time is a bit different because she reminded me about the time she asked me to be her friend.

You know, at 20-something, when someone asks you to be your friend, it’s kind of a big deal. Or at least it was (when she did) and still is to me. We started off as tutor and student, yet here we are. I’d always wanted a sibling until her. Having someone to share stuff with and to care for is awesome. I don’t fight with her like siblings do, but still, I’m super grateful to have her in my life. This chat is just one to reveal how a 16-year-old who is not particularly active on social media thinks about the way friendships work in this day and age. Spoilers alert: it is super fascinating, but essentially, you need to have conversations to maintain one.

I adore her so so much, because she’s always there for me for moral support, and I love her authenticity. There was this one time she taught me something that I’d never forget: In life, it is not about the people you meet, but rather the timing. Your best self right now might meet someone’s best self, but you two are not compatible as friends. But at a different time, your new best selves might be, and so the possibilities for friendships and relationships in general are endless. How profound. I think she taught me that when she was 15. I wish I was that wise at 15. I love how much I learn from such a young lady, and from young people in general, always. I love you Su Su!

If you are keen to understand why a 16-year-old is not active on social media and how she sees friendships in this digital age, in 2020, perhaps this is the podcast episode for you.

All our love,

Su and Lu