We all need each other.

And it necessarily doesn't have to be in a grand way. It is in the simple things. The simple acts.

What do you think about the saying, “you can't do life alone”? Well, for many, it may sound cliché. However, it doesn't matter how many times it is said or referred to, it remains an absolute truth.

Human life, interaction and relationship is a symbiotic one, albeit a lot more mutualistic. You may argue that since humans aren't of different species and symbiotic relationship is an association between two or more different biological species, this premise is wrong.

However, the difference between two individuals might not necessarily be evident in their genetic makeup or physical appearance but these differences can be felt in other areas of life such as social class - rich, poor, average; intelligence - brilliant, genius, dull; character - cocky, reserved, humble, etc. However, it doesn't matter which category you belong to, everyone needs each other.

Some few weeks ago, I boarded a motorcycle home but this was not until after I took a substantial time haggling about the hike in the fare with the rider. To be honest, the rider’s position was fair — the absurd hike in the price of petrol was a debilitating factor. But you can blame me as well, I was frustrated after spending close to a double amount of what I budgeted for my T-fare.

As I sat down on the bike and the journey to my destination began, the rider was all chatty throughout the ride. He ranted on several topics ranging from the fuel pump price we argued on earlier and how it has caused a significant reduction on his daily income. He moved to how feeding has been so challenging, the complaints of his customers, the absurd hike in the market prices of goods and services and so many topics I can't even remember right now.

In between the talks, although I was tired at some point (if you have come across a chatty bike rider, you would understand why I got tired), I made sure to show interest by nodding my head at intervals, muttering some sounds of ‘hmmm’, ‘ohhhh’ and chipping some form of phrases such as ‘This country sef’ which I noticed spurred the motorcycle rider to even increase the gear of his ranting.

Although I wanted him to stop, I realised the bike rider was happy with my little show of interest. He needed something, a listening ear which I reluctantly gave. When we got to my destination and I paid him for his services, the tone of his appreciation showed he had such a fulfilling ride and I watched as he gleefully turned around his bike and sped off.

What I learnt from that ride made me realise something so profound which is that we all need each other.

We all carry a burden and need someone to share it with.

We need someone to talk to.

We need someone to offer us their listening ears.

We need someone to hear our soft and silent cries.

We need someone to offer us a handkerchief to wipe away those tears that threaten so hard to expose our frailties.

We need someone to hug us and murmur some ‘it will be okay’ words in our ears.

We need someone whose smile shines so bright and can melt away the sadness swelling up in our hearts.

We need someone that just texts randomly and writes, “Hey, I hope you are good. Everything will be alright. Hang in there.”

We need someone whose whining and nagging can be frustrating at times but also helps us to forget our worries in that moment.

Now, this person is not necessarily just a lover, a friend or a bestie.

It can be some bike rider;

or that Uber driver whose jokes are dry but still finds a way to force a smile in the corner of your lips;

or that puff puff seller by the roadside that leads to your office;

or that grandma who calls you by that native name you don't want anyone calling you but whenever she does, it lits you up.

It can be that gateman who hypes you up every time you resume for work;

or that grocery plug who is always happy to see you branch and rewards you every time with a lollipop.

It can even be that your favourite Substack writer whose newsletter you always look forward to reading.

The beautiful thing however is that as they lit you up, you do the same for them.

Such is life!

A beautiful symbiotic - mutual relationship.

When you find that person though, don't lose them and cherish every moment with them. Because as beautiful as life is, it is transient and tomorrow is never promised.

Just live every moment, live every day, just live.

It is in the simple things. The simple acts. We all need each other.

From me to you,

Sam Babajide♥️