To Me, With Love

Thanks to my parents' love, I flourished during my upbringing. Now I'm on a path to share love with others and welcome the newfound affection from new friends.

Written and illustrated by: Kelly Chin Huiwen

Growing up, love surrounded me, whether from family or close relatives who provided unwavering support.  

My parents always taught me valuable lessons, exemplifying their kindness by patronising small businesses and helping those in need, like the aunties and uncles who sell tissues outside the MRT Station.

I strived to embody the love and compassion we received. As an outgoing child, expressing these qualities came naturally.

Then came the daunting teenage years. Perhaps it was the whirlwind of puberty or the pressures of growing up, but I became more reserved and quiet. I maintained a circle of friends, but I never initiated conversations, nor was I especially close to anyone. 

My first years in Secondary School filled with feelings of isolation and unease. I remember eating alone during recess, sometimes even skipping it to stay in the dark classroom, alone, and free from judgement. 

The extroverted little girl that my parents once knew was gone. I was a closed shell, and no matter how hard they coaxed, my parents could not get me to open up. 

Then I entered Secondary Three, and things took a turn. 

My new classmates were more outgoing and extroverted, and while I was still hesitant to initiate conversations, I was able to get along with everyone. This eventually led me to form my own close group of friends.

I found it easier to express emotions and platonic affections with them — sharing jokes, laughing a little too hard, and divulging secrets and burdens. 

Looking back, the love I experienced came in many different forms. Familial love helped me grow, teaching me to treat others as I would like to be treated. The affection from friends helped me break out of my shell, allowing me to feel more comfortable with displaying my affection. 

As I grew older, I became significantly more social, especially upon entering Nanyang Polytechnic’s Mass Media Management course. My friendly and eager new classmates made socialising easier, and the class’ overall vibe swiftly helped me overcome initial shyness. 

Making friends suddenly became easy, and I expressed my love through hugs, friendly pats, or engaging conversations about shared interests – and they gladly reciprocated.

My new ventures into illustration and participating at events, such as art markets, also bolstered my self-confidence. These experiences allowed me to connect with like-minded individuals who shared a similar passion with me, including artists that I have long admired.

Supported by my parents, I was determined to become more open to new experiences, helping me cultivate new friendships along the way. Meeting new faces no longer became a chore. Instead, it became the highlight of attending events.  

From a reserved teenager to a sociable individual pursuing her aspirations, my journey has been guided by love in various forms. Making friends, expressing affection, and embracing opportunities have become essential facets of my life, reinforcing the idea that love, in its diverse forms, has the power to transform and enrich our lives.