How Erasmus Changed My View on Relationships

from home and not knowing anyone made dating apps a lot more enticing. The idea of casual dating was something me and my other Irish friends grew more open to. Sorry to say though, I will not be documenting my experiences with French men – who I will say are a lot more forward than the Irish. Once on a run in the rain a man tapped my shoulder and asked to go for a drink; he gave off serial killer vibes so that was a date I did not attend.

On Thanksgiving, sitting in a room full of people I had only met a couple months before, I felt like I was surrounded by my family. As we all ate the food that my friend’s boyfriend prepared for us, drinking mulled wine and reminiscing on moments we had spent to - gether, I realised that no matter where I was in the world, I was lucky to say that I truly had amazing friends. Everyone I was surrounded by was away from home, but we had come together to create our own unique family. Moving abroad taught me to strengthen my platonic relationships – living in our own little apartments, drinking wine on balconies, and glaring at couples blocking the streets, we formed a strong bond, one which will always remain no matter where in the world. Since arriving home I’ve been a lot more active in meeting up with friends and can say that my platonic relationships are thriving. Whilst I did attend college in the city of love, I am happy to say that I found love in the friendships I made rather than the romantic opportunities I was offered.

WORDS Lucia Orsi ILLUSTRATION Linde Vergeylen