Whitney CP-4

There's nothing like bonding over hardship!

Not being able to meet last week, there was a lot Jongouk and I had to catch up on. What ended up happening, however, was something neither of us probably expected before we met today.

Honestly, this was one of the worst days I've had in a long while--my house was broken-into yesterday, my macbook pro stolen, my underwear drawer open, etc. I didn't get anything done at work because not only had I not been able to sleep last night, but my mind was so distracted, in the last 24 hours, I experienced every kind of emotion and I was mentally, emotionally, and physically drained. But, I had promised to meet Jongouk, and so, in spite of how I felt (which was like not doing anything), I met Jongouk at the CIES and we took a seat in what used to be Pancheros/Boca Cafe.

Jongouk had just moved from his cousin's house (who is leaving for Korea soon) to his friend's apartment in Alumni Village. Not quite recovered from that, he was discouraged because he feels that his English is "slipping" and that he's actually going in the opposite direction of improvement. We talked about being exhausted, and drained--and I told him that, though he probably doesn't realize it, communicating in a second language 24/7 is actually not only only mentally, but physically exhausting. "What you're going through is natural," I explained, and we discussed the fact that what we both desperately needed right now was rest. I suggested we lay our heads down and have a nap--which we didn't do, but I think we both needed a laugh.

As miserable as this day has been, I'm really glad I ended going through with my commitment to meet Jongouk--this has actually been the highlight of an otherwise awful day. I've only told a handful of people, and mostly because I have to--I've even been reluctant to talk with some of my friends. But I'm thankful that Jongouk and I were both tired today, that we could not be at our "best" and become better friends because of it.