Hitori and her friends seem like your average middle school girls, but the ridiculous antics they get into are just far-fetched enough to make us laugh! We’ve all experienced the anxious feeling of not having a friend to rely on at some point in life. Making friends is one of the first trials that a kid has to go through. Of course, with Hitori’s levels of anxiety, she takes this trial to the next step! From fainting in happiness, vomiting or even dressing in a dog suit for a “casual outfit,” Hitori’s quest to make new friends is full of hilarious moments. The episodes balance comedy and the plot of the story perfectly, with the characters delivering their humor exactly when it needs to be.

As you watch Hitoribocchi no Marumaru Seikatsu, it is apparent how simple the story premise is. Hitori slowly befriends the people in her class, one by one, simply by trying her hardest and being sincere. This sort of story is relatable to almost anyone who has ever had a friend or wanted a friend—which is pretty much everyone! Hitori’s struggles stem from a place we can all identify with, making the plot that much more powerful.

Despite Hitori’s strange approach to making friends, viewers are still able to see themselves in her. Each of her friends has a unique personality to relate to as well. Nako Sunao is seen as an aloof outsider and acts like she doesn’t care, yet she really values the friends she has. Meanwhile, Aru Honshou keeps up a popular appearance at school but hides her true personality and misfortune. Each of the characters has their own way of relating to the audience, though Hitori is probably the best in this regard, simply because she has the most screen time and is the center of the plot.

Hitoribocchi no Marumaru Seikatsu is easily one of the most endearing anime from this season. Unlike most anime that deal with issues like anxiety, Hitori is never once ridiculed for her struggles. Sure, her weird plans and strange antics are a big part of the comedy in the anime. Yet never once have her classmates or newfound friends made her feel bad about herself for the decisions she made, which is just an example of the pure nature of the series.

As we watch Hitori slowly gain the respect and friendship of her classmates, the only word that can be used to describe this anime is wholesome! Hitori and her friends go about their day-to-day school lives and learn what it means to have true friends. Each episode is lighthearted and heartwarming, even as the story slowly progresses. Once again, the characters drive the feeling behind the show with their actions, and for such a simple premise, it is surprisingly strong in its execution.

Hitoribocchi no Marumaru Seikatsu is such a relaxing experience! Through Hitori’s eyes, we learn about friendship and being true to yourself, thanks to her interactions with others. If you ever get tired or stressed from watching some of the other anime this season (like Attack on Titan!), watching some episodes of Hitori and her friends is sure to be easier to digest. There are never any real fights and the characters are never in any real danger. In the end, we know that Hitori will succeed somehow, and that is comforting to realize!