This is a real friendship story about two Gofrendly members whose friendship started because one of them was brave enough to send the first message. Here’s how it happened, in Elin’s own words.
Elin & Indra’s Story
“My decision to join Gofrendly was driven by the desire to expand my circle of friends,” Elin says. “I thought the app was a brilliant concept and couldn’t resist giving it a try.” She and Indra were matched on the app, and Indra took the initiative to start their conversation. “From that moment on, everything just seemed to fall into place,” Elin says. “It was as if we had known each other for years, as our similarities and natural connection made us instant friends.”
“In the beginning, I was a bit apprehensive because it was all so new, but believe me, getting this app was one of the best decisions I've ever made.”
— Elin
The First Meetup
Their first in-person meeting took place at an Espresso House in Indra’s hometown. “It was a cozy and slightly nerve-wracking experience, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made,” Elin says. Since then, their time together has covered everything from shopping and dining to movie nights — the kind of easy, low-stakes hangouts that making new friends as an adult is really built on. “We share a unique, quirky sense of humor and can relate to each other’s life experiences,” Elin says. “Everything just flows seamlessly when we’re together.”
Someone reaching out first, the way Indra did, is exactly the part most people get stuck on.
Someone’s got to go first
Research on why people hesitate to reach out found that fear of rejection was a key barrier, even when the other person would have welcomed hearing from them. Indra didn’t wait to find out. She messaged first, and it turned into one of Elin’s closest friendships.
Source: Lara Aknin & Gillian Sandstrom, Communications Psychology (2024).
Elin’s Advice
“To all the other girls on Gofrendly, my advice is to take that leap of faith and reach out to people or arrange meetings,” Elin says. It’s not the only real friendship story that started with someone simply deciding to send that first message — it happens more often than you’d think. “It not only led me to my wonderful friend Indra, but also to many more meaningful connections, and I couldn’t be happier,” Elin says.
What Elin & Indra’s Friendship Can Teach You
- Someone has to go first. Indra reaching out first is what got the friendship started at all.
- A little nervousness is normal. Elin was apprehensive before their first meetup — and it turned out to be one of her best decisions.
- Shared humor matters. Elin and Indra’s easy, natural connection came from genuinely relating to each other, not just proximity.
Common Questions About This Real Friendship Story
How did Elin and Indra’s friendship start?
They matched on Gofrendly, and Indra took the initiative to send the first message — from there, the connection came easily.
Is it normal to feel nervous before meeting a new friend in person?
Yes — Elin says she was a bit apprehensive before their first meetup, but it turned out to be one of her best decisions.
What’s the best way to start a friendship on Gofrendly?
Take the leap and reach out first — that’s exactly what led to Elin and Indra’s friendship.
Can I share my own Gofrendly friendship story?
We’d love to hear it. Share your friendship story through our form.
Ready to write your own friendship story?
Join the women finding real connections on Gofrendly — sometimes all it takes is being the one who reaches out first.
