holly vs. andy bernard

san francisco has an interesting set of rules when it comes to socializing. i don't meet a ton of natives, most people are here because sf is fun, cool, full of culture, etc. or maybe here for a job. that typical means that a lot of people here don't have their family or close friends nearby which, results in everyone having the same openness to meeting new people. and when you meet someone or someones for the first time, it's hard to tell how the friendship will turn out. i'm not used to this. i grew up constantly being surrounded by my comfort zone that i could always rely on. i've never had to make efforts to meet new people or had to gain a new friend's trust. it's such a foreign concept for me.

that being said, remember holly from the office? she was the interim HR rep that replaced toby after his zip lining accident in costa rica. she was brought in new to the group, totally awkward but full of good intention, enthusiasm and cheese. but while she never had any real conflict with anyone, the rest of the office just didn't vibe with her. she tried so hard with her "let's get ethical" bit but it just didn't groove with how the office already was.

now, andy bernard is another story. he came from the stamford branch and after only a nervous breakdown and transformation from andrew to andy (aka "nard dog"), became one with the members of the scranton branch. maybe it was his singing skills, his charm, perhaps the fact that he was a cornell graduate? who knows. but now, he's a part of them and no one even remembers that he wasn't an OG member.

being in sf and watching the office made me realize something. no matter how much you try to fit in, sometimes that deep chemistry just isn't there. holly's style didn't really fit into the rest of the office and in the end, she moved to another branch to a better fit. no hurt feelings and everyone moves on.

i came to the conclusion that sometimes i meet a holly and other times i am a holly. i constantly meet new people, go out to random events and happy hours and get exposed to many offices. many acquaintances are formed but i think it's pretty special when people finally become a part of my "office" or me theirs. i'm thoroughly enjoying meeting new people here and "elsie kim paper company" is growing. sometimes you meet a holly and end up gaining a really cool party friend but sometimes, you meet an andy bernard and meet a new part of your family.