The Mystery Friend

This is a condundrum for the ages. Everyone has at least one friend that they do not understand how they are friends with. Maybe this person has completely different interests, or you share no mutual friends, or he eats chicken like a savage off a lunch tray. I don't know. But you have one, and I will never understand the basis for this.

Typically, the mystery friend (MF) starts off as an inocuous acquantinance. For instance, said MF could be the roommate of a friend in college. As freshmen often do, roommates will accompany each other to social events. This is a pathway that could lead you to your MF. Say real friend (RF) brings MF to a party. MF may have a good time and prove to be a socialble person, in which case RF will invite MF to the next get-together. After two pleasant times, it's safe to say that a bond could be formed. Soon the mystery friendship will be cemented by what I like to call the Turning Point (TP).

After MF has joined RF to a number of outings, it is accepted that MF is a part of the crew, and soon the TP will occur. The TP is the first time that MF hangs out without the presence of RF. Just like that MF has formed a real friendship with you, and you didn't even see it coming. In fact, it is usually not till sometime in the future until you realize how bizarre it is that you are friends with this person.

Often times, your MF could be your best friend. This is a somewhat commonplace occurence. You just get so used to hanging out, that the next thing you know you are amazed about who your best friend is. Needless to say, having a MF is not a bad thing, it's just very strange. It is easy to look at people and say, "I could see them being friends." And that is usually the case with friends, but in the MF situation that dynamic is completely thrown out the window.

I don't think that anyone will ever understand the Mystery Friend paradox, but it is indeed a pickle. Think about it, and you will surely be able to think of at least one friend that you have no idea how you are friends.