A Text Away

October 28, 2025

By: Ivette Flores

Reaching out to friends seems like a simple idea. However, for the longest time I made it out to be a daunting task. For the past few years, I have often relied on others to initiate plans. I’ve always carried this fear that no one will want to support my ideas, that putting myself out there will only lead to rejection. To some, this might seem like an irrational fear (and technically, it is), but when you’re caught in the grip of anxiety, even something as small as a left-on-read text can feel like the end of the world. 

Lately, I’ve found myself feeling deep admiration and gratitude for the ‘initiators’ in my friend group; the ones who reach out first. I love getting those ‘Let’s do something this week!’ messages and am always excited to meet up, especially when it’s been a while since we’ve seen each other. So one day I thought, “If I am this excited to grab lunch, go to the movies, etc., what makes me think others won’t be as excited whenever I propose something?” And this exact question is what I’ve started asking myself each time I think about making plans with friends. Is there a possibility that no one will answer or be free that day? – Sure. But is there also a possibility that your friends WILL be free and want to do something together? – Also yes. And better yet, the memories made from that time together could be one of those core memories that everyone recalls down the road.  

So, in reality, there’s a lot to gain and not much to lose. A question unasked is always going to be a no, but the possibilities after sending that message or email, are endless. At the end of the day, most things – plans, opportunities, connections – are only a text away, it’s just a matter of finding the courage to hit “send”.