I've been avoiding this situation for weeks, but trust the ever so observant Ikenna to put me in a bind. Well, let's just stop running from the hard conversation and be done with it.

"Guy, spill," he said, and snapped me back to reality. “What's wrong with you? You've been acting very cold these past few days. What's going on?”

I just stared blankly, and I loved the fact that he didn't pressure me to talk. I don't know what to say or how to start saying.

"You can start anywhere," he said.

"Yeah, right," I scoffed. How was I supposed to start telling my best friend that I had been feeling jealous about his recent achievements? That scrolling through social media these days had been triggering depression? I knew how dark those days were when I battled depression, and I didn't want to go back to that hole.

How could I tell him that meeting with the guys and watching everyone celebrate one success or another while I was stuck with this stupid project, still looking for a breakthrough, had been making me feel down? Feeling jealous of your friend's achievements? If that isn't a quality of "village people," then I don't know what is.

But somehow, I found myself telling him all this. He had that presence that could make you open up.

As I sat with my best friend, waiting for him to look at me in condemnation, all I was met with was a comforting smile. His next words melted me.

"You have so much more worth than these achievements," he said. “I want you to remember that every difficult phase is a journey towards your destination, and you will get there. But I need you to stop comparing yourself to anyone. You may not see it, but you are making progress every day.”

“It's totally okay for you to take some time for yourself and figure out a new plan. You have all the skills and knowledge to get back on track. You just have to believe in yourself. And don't forget, you have a very strong support system, and we are solidly behind you.”