stories

Three voices, one feeling.

Nobody explains what a buddy means better than the people themselves. Three stories, told in their own colour. Names are chosen names or pseudonyms, the feelings are real.

waited 4 years · matched in 2025

“I finally did not have to explain a thing.”

I had been on the list for four years when I signed up. Friends tried their best, but every conversation started with explaining. What a waitlist is. Why it takes so long. Why it wore me down. With my buddy, none of that. They already knew.

We texted for weeks before meeting, both a little nervous. Now we have coffee every two weeks. The waitlist is still there. But I no longer carry its weight on my own.

Zonnestraal, 24

buddy since 2025

“My years of waiting are finally good for something.”

I waited five years. When it was finally my turn, one thought stayed: nobody should do this alone. Through Break Buddy I now walk beside someone who stands where I stood.

The best part is how ordinary it is. We walk, we laugh, sometimes it is about the list and very often it is not. My years of waiting are no longer lost time. They are exactly why I can help.

Vos, 31

matched in 2026 · came along to the first appointment

“Someone sat next to me in the waiting room.”

The letter saying I finally had a first appointment mostly scared me. Three years of waiting and then suddenly: in two weeks. My buddy immediately said: I will come with you if you want.

In that waiting room sat someone who knew exactly how this feels. We barely spoke. We did not need to. Some support is simply someone in the chair beside you.

Lente, 27

These stories are based on real matches and conversations. Details and names have been changed to protect privacy. As soon as buddies want to tell their story publicly themselves, you will read it here first.

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If you want, your story can start here.

Whether you are waiting or want to be there for someone: you are welcome, at your pace.