Text I

‘Wednesday’ is a series available on Netflix. Enid and Wednesday are characters of it and you can see their picture below. Both girls study at Nevermore, a school for teenagers with special abilities.

Why We All Need a Friendship Like Wednesday and Enid’s

Enid and Wednesday

Source Netflix

We’re obsessed with the pastel-goth¹ duo for more than just aesthetic². Here’s a couple of reasons why we love Wednesday and Enid’s unexpected friendship!

The story of Wednesday and Enid

When they first meet, Enid and Wednesday don’t get off³ on the best foot. Enid is loud and bright and energetic – everything Wednesday hates. Or at least, thinks she hates. Wednesday, who tells herself that she doesn’t need anyone else (especially someone as vibrant as Enid) is determined to push her away. But Enid, who sees a slight sign of softness in Wednesday when hearing her sad scorpion story, isn’t really demotivated.

Two sides of an unlikely friendship

Wednesday and Enid don’t try to change each other. There is an acceptance of one another’s differences that is so refreshing! Even after they win the Poe Cup⁴ competition, Enid doesn’t force Wednesday to spend time with the group, but just makes the offer of companionship gently.

Similarly, Wednesday doesn’t try to get Enid to wear all black or change her persona or identity to be Wednesday’s friend. Instead, she lets Enid express herself however⁵ she wants, even if it gives Wednesday a massive headache!

A good friend is respectful

Understanding the limits your friends have is a lifelong lesson that not many people learn early on. When they first meet, Enid quickly notices Wednesday’s peculiarities – including that she’s not a hugger. And while Enid tries to, once or twice, for the most part, she is OK with it. Similar to the way they don’t try to change each other, Enid doesn’t try to blame⁶ Wednesday over it either!

I’ll be there for you

Maybe the most emotional scene in the final episode is when Enid returns to Nevermore, and Wednesday accepts to hug⁷ her back. Even though touch makes her uncomfortable!

Friendships aren’t always easy. They require hard work, communication, and enthusiasm to forgive and learn from past mistakes. Wednesday and Enid are no different! They show that even if you might be very different, as long as you care for and respect each other, you can find a life-long friend in the most diverse people.

(Adapted from https://bookstr.com/article/why-we-all-need-a-friendship-like-wednesday-and-enids/ Accessed on March 23rd, 2023)

Glossary:

1. pastel-goth: a style that mixes gothic fashion with soft pastel colors

2. aesthetic: related to beauty

3. to get off: to start a journey

4. the Poe Cup: annual race in which four teams (representing their dormitory) compete against each other

5. however: in whatever way

6. to blame: to say or think that someone did something wrong or is responsible for something bad happening

7. to hug: embrace, fold in your arms

Text II

A study held in different countries having 10,000 participants mapped how some aspects of our lives impact on the friends we made. They are: 1. Religious Beliefs; 2. Racial or Ethnic Background; 3. Level of Income1; 4. Level of Education; 5. Social Status; 6. Political Views and; 7. Life Stage.

The results of this study are available in the following pie chart:

(Adapted from https://www.barna.com/research/friends-loneliness/ Accessed on April 05th, 2023)

Transcript: Would you say your current friends are mostly similar to yourself or mostly different from yourself in each of these areas?

Glossary:

1. income: money, salary