The Merriam-Webster dictionary describes this word as: “the faculty or phenomenon of finding valuable or agreeable things not sought for”; in other words, gaining something good, from something bad or accidental.
Many of us can relate to this. Take an unplanned pregnancy for one thing. Yes, the pregnancy was ‘accidental’, and maybe now isn't the ideal time for a child, but often the end result is one of elation. We have now brought another human being into this world, and it is little and cute and absolutely perfect. Serendipity.
This can be applied to many personal relationships as well. Suppose that you have a huge dispute with a co-worker you barely even noticed before. As you sit there seething and thinking of ways to slaughter her, she comes over and very humbly apologizes. Yes, you are caught off guard, but you accept the apology nevertheless (especially since she has offered to treat you to lunch at this great new place that has just opened up the street). So see, you got something valuable from this heated disagreement, a free meal. Oh wait, that wasn't the point. During this lunch you discuss the argument (like adults) and realize two things, the whole thing was a misunderstanding, and turns out the two of you have a lot in common. So ultimately, you made a friend that was not sought, from a rather ugly argument. Serendipity.
What is my point? Well in the above example an effort was made by both people. Even though there might've been pure hatred for a few moments they both came together and discussed the issue calmly and came to a resolution and maybe they each gained a friend. A clash of personalities, a misunderstanding, a perceived wrong, a prejudice, a misperception. These things happen all of the time; it is part of being human. But serendipity happens too. Often when one of these things happens you see another side to that person that draws you to them. It might be that they have successfully matched wits with you, or that they have shown vulnerability, or maybe you have been big enough to look past the bad and saw the good. Maybe this isn't serendipity at all; maybe it is just part of growing into a better person
For my friend