Our Story
Hey stranger,
Before sharing a scenario about those around you, the origins of STRANGERS NO MORE are borne from our founders' own story. In getting to know more, and if this in anyway resonates to your own, I hope you may find this insightful. Looking after our mental health is just so, so important...
My Stranger Story
Some relationships lead to marriage; others, to heartbreak. Despite all my hope and efforts for the first of these, my stranger story became the latter.
But first, my stranger story began prior to this, in which as a 30 something year old guy, I will admit I had several historic years of hard mental health issues, and in it, some regrettable actions. They had their solid foundations for forming, a combination of family relationships, Brexit (long story...), COVID and isolation, and as present as they once were, as firmly in my past they now proudly are. To give you an indication, let's just say I only wish I was once proactive in considering PANDAS or MIND.
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Some time later I met a girl, the above period was fantastically overcome, and whilst I’ve plenty of *really, really good* things happening in my life, least mention my career and creative pursuits, this evolved into her becoming my main consideration, the only person I ever (thus far) saw my entire future with. In becoming my safe place and best friend, as well as everything (and family) that I endeavoured in a few particular things to provide my very best for in the future, I've many cherished memories of what once was, grateful for what we both did for each other, and I hope that she is doing okay since we last spoke - :)
Things later changed and whilst there are many, many aspects of our concluding period that could be explored on the topics of mental health and treatment of others, there will never ever by any desire, need or value to publicly share finer details of our relationship due to all my respect for the person that she once was and everything we had together. Some people close to us do know many details, others don't, and those new to STRANGERS NO MORE won't ever - :)
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Indeed, STRANGERS NO MORE was launched because of my stranger story; surviving the trauma once, surviving certain experiences twice, and now being the super resilient person, strong character and happy get-go personality I am today, I would like to give back ~ just know, no matter what others say or do, “…you are enough".
Intended for you and your own stranger story, as for mine, it’s okay, all's okay. Today, beyond all the best of times within the relationship, I am very proud to have survived through both periods' more appalling moments and months. In particular for the historic period, all of my fantastic support network know how spectacularly out of character this then was, and; for the relationship, I am glad to have loved, tried my darn best, never gave up and (us both) lose rather than never having the opportunity to love at all. For the most part, it was sweet whilst it was able to last.
Having very, very different experiences within each, but coupling both together, it goes to show just how important looking after our mental health *really* is, and the significance of looking out for one another ~ be curious, take interest, learn more, talk deeply, just be kind (it's free).
Strangers Stories, Part 1
In wanting to make positive from negativity, STRANGERS NO MORE took form due to my healing process of both the breakup and the manner of treatments and change, as well as the historic period. On moving house across the city and as I explain shortly, the most wonderful things then began to happen. I am happy and confident enough to talk to anyone in a social situation, and where I once leaned on this girl for best friendship, my social life certainly shifted and evolved further.
This took form in, and not limited to, joining a new social running club and sports centre / gym, taking part in a photography course and cooking class, chatting to tens of new faces within just a few weeks, and the re-igniting of old friendships that were either cast as second priority or unfortunately unable to be present during this relationship. They know who they are, we all came swimming back to one another as if we never left and we've all sorts already planned. Whilst everyone's support was absolutely unbelievable and valued, it was actually the outcome of conversations with the many strangers that came most unexpectedly.
In talking to everyone I was honored to hear these strangers opening up about their own experiences and life events, and in going with the flow of the conversation and sharing advice with one another, what sometimes began as a small comment by someone sat opposite me across a pub table later became a deep, two-way conversation that lasted much of the night - special. Having met a number of these strangers more times after, and with a few actually evolving into now friends that I've frequently socialised with since, no matter what any of us - you - may be experiencing in life, it's just so, so helpful to chat with someone. I know many of these strangers have very much appreciated my reciprocations too, with many hugs, nods and smiles being shared in the most lovely of small moments.
Sure, I've travelled, a flippin’ cool career, loved hard, but I've equally lost harder, been better, been worse, and through all of life's highs and lows, I've stories. My story. And, as suggested by others, is all of this positivity as well as several other things beyond the scope of being necessary to explain in my stranger story all but happening for a reason? Perhaps... it's not for me to comment...
As I say, STRANGERS NO MORE is actually about you and others, not me. Whether you're experiencing heartbreak, bereavement, something mental health related or anything else, in talking to strangers you open yourself to different perspectives, especially given they initially don't know anything about you - you may feel their advice the most.
By talking we reach better understanding.
Strangers Stories, Part 2
Let's suppose for a moment the scenario of you being at your local gym, but this could apply to anywhere you visit:
- Have you perhaps been going lately and wondered why one particular guy is always so friendly to others? Yeah, he's also going through depression;
- That girl who you've developed a crush on, perhaps you're wondering whether you should one day go speak to her? Yeah, she's new to town and is secretly feeling isolated with limited local friends;
- There's also someone who has been coming a lot more frequently of late. Yeah, he just lost his job and is using the gym to manage his sense of hopelessness;
- How about that lady who used to always join your class but is no longer half as consistent. Yup, she's up most nights with her newborn;
- Or, did you spot the young guy who's just joined and is making his best efforts on equipment he's very new at trying. That's right, he's getting bullied for being 'out of shape'.
Every stranger has their story.
Alongside all our provided helpful quick links on mental health support and information resources, we hope you may spread the word about STRANGERS NO MORE, and you'll both don and cherish your favourite new clothing item(s) to spread your love and support for one another. Your community.
Be kind, always be kind. You're doing great, you're absolutely more than enough and don't let anyone try to put you down and make you feel otherwise - trust me. Life can be so, so beautiful, there's so much we can achieve by supporting one another, and if you're going through something, I only hope that you don't feel like you have to face it alone, you'll always have the option of strangers.
Upon chatting, you're strangers no more.