Selen Ahishali shares insights on friendship at Hyvin sanottu festival in Lahti

This article is part of the Hyvin sanottu discussion festival, held in Lahti from September 27 to 28. For 29-year-old Selen Ahishali, friendship primarily signifies love and trust, as well as unconditional acceptance. “Such acceptance is something everyone should receive from their family, but especially from friends, the family we choose ourselves,” she emphasized.

Ahishali co-produces the BFF podcast with her best friend, Emilia Aaltonen, and is also a social media influencer and the head of a digital marketing company. Ahishali has a diverse group of friends, spanning various ages and backgrounds, with about 30 close friends and a core group of a dozen close companions.

“We all stay in touch through chat groups,” she said, adding that they often travel, engage in sports, and celebrate occasions together. “Meaningful friendships can be found at different stages of life. I believe the pandemic made many young people feel loneliness, which brought us closer together.”

Community has always played a significant role for Ahishali, learned from her family, who shared evening meals and vacations together. “We all share a similar humor and a positive attitude toward life.”

Maintaining friendships requires flexibility, understanding, and good communication skills, according to Ahishali. Each person must actively participate in nurturing these connections, rather than always waiting for an invitation. While not everyone can be involved in every activity, it is crucial to respect individual choices.

Finally, she reminds us that love in friendship means accepting all aspects of each other, although this doesn’t mean tolerating bad behavior. If a friend needs to change, it’s okay to give honest feedback. As Ahishali noted, friends support one another and can help guide each other toward growth and healing.

Ahishali discussed these themes on September 27 during the Hyvin sanottu festival, alongside other speakers.