It happened by itself, on their side

[Rachel Adams]

Does "it happened by itself", and "on their side" sound natural? Is the indefinite article optional before "big pleasure"?

"I don't remember how we started the conversation. It happened by itself. If my friends needed me I was always on their side. Talking with someone was a very big pleasure."

 

[emsr2d2]

Does Do "it happened by itself" no comma here and "on their side" sound natural? Is the indefinite article optional before "big pleasure"?

"I don't remember how we started the conversation. It happened by itself. If my friends needed me, I was always on their side. Talking with someone was a very big pleasure."

See above. The article is required. I find "a very big pleasure" rather unnatural. Try "a huge/immense pleasure".

 

[Rachel Adams]

See above. The article is required. I find "a very big pleasure" rather unnatural. Try "a huge/immense pleasure".

By saying "on their side" I mean I was always there for them to help. Is "on their side" natural, or could I use an idiom or another expression?

 

[emsr2d2]

Oh, in that case, you need "by their side" (metaphorically speaking). "On their side" means that you agree with them in an argument or dispute.