When I was coming back home to New York after my first international work trip to Spain, I was exhausted, overstimulated, and ready to be back in the comfort of my own home.
Boarding the AirTrain at John F. Kennedy International Airport, I had my AirPods in both ears and was doing what most 27-year-olds do at the airport: keeping my head down and staying in my own little world.
Then, out of nowhere, an 81-year-old woman — who I later found out is named Maria — started talking to me.
She asked me about my travels, and I answered politely before returning my attention to my phone. But she kept talking — and thank goodness she did.
There was something about her excitement that caught my attention immediately. Within a matter of seconds, I was intrigued by her genuine spirit and kind personality, so I did something I never do at the airport — I took my AirPods out, put them in my case, and kept chatting with this stranger.
For the remainder of the train ride home, we talked about life, family, travel, and everything in between. By the time we reached our final stop, we had exchanged phone numbers, and somehow both said we loved the other.
The next day, Maria left me a voicemail inviting me to dinner.
A brief interaction quickly blossomed into a friendship
Several days later, I found myself standing outside Maria's apartment holding flowers and a note. She opened the door, wearing a bright yellow dress, and was thrilled to see me again.
She had cooked dinner, prepared dessert, and even bought me a mug with hearts on it (which I use every Monday morning).
We spent hours talking. She told me about her family and the grief and loss she's endured throughout her life, and I discussed my work and travels.
Even though we were two strangers who had just met, we were able to have a conversation as if we had known each other forever.
Over the past two months, Maria and I have continued to have dinner every Monday at her apartment. I always look forward to hugging her upon my arrival and eating at her dining room table.
The friendship has grown quickly, but it has never felt forced.
Now, I can't imagine my life without Maria as my friend
The day after we met, I posted a TikTok about our budding friendship, and it went viral immediately.
At first, I thought people were responding to the story's novelty, but the more messages and comments I read, the more I realized they were responding to something deeper: how a simple conversation can lead to a genuine friendship, one that even transcends age.
Somewhere along the way, I think many people stopped believing that meaningful relationships could begin with a random conversation. Maria and I accidentally became proof that they still can.
Even though we've only known each other for a few months, we keep in touch constantly, and even recently traveled to Puerto Rico together to visit her family.
Now, I can't imagine a life without her.
I had no idea that taking out my AirPods and talking to a stranger would completely change my life and how I form relationships.
After meeting Maria for the first time, I didn't wear my headphones for about a week. I interacted with a professor on the train who invited me to one of her lectures. I made a new friend whose sister was in town. I smiled more at strangers.
My relationship with Maria reminded me that some friendships arrive completely unannounced — simply because one person decided to keep talking and another decided to listen.
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Molly Selin is a contributor for Business Insider.
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