Skip to main content

Making New Friends



There is something to be said for the making of new friends at this age in life.  Not that I'm saying I'm old, I'm just saying that it doesn't happen as easily as it used when I was younger.  Seems like when we were back in school things were simpler.  You saw the same people every day, all day long and you had that in common.

Today we make friends at work, yet many times that ends when the work day ends.  People have other commitments and family that take time and attention which don't allow for the same type of social life.

Yet there are times when a new person just clicks with you.  Or better yet a new group that you just fall into without hesitation.  That real connection is something to be treasured.  It's the ability to make new friends as an adult, with adult conversations.

There conversations can lead you places that validate you and sustain you.  They connect you to the world of people with similar roles as you:  parent, spouse, sister, daughter, employee.  And the ability to exchange stories and share advice makes these relationships an truly important part of the grown up experience.

Having moved twice in the last five years to different states has been a blessing and a curse.  It forced me to let go of the every day, work friends and even the ones who lived close by and have remained close since childhood.  And it allowed opportunity for new friends to be made.

And then that comes with a whole different set of challenges.  How do you just become friends in a new location?  Do you ask someone to be your friend?  How does this work?

You know what?  You have to be open to it, find people who you have things in common with and take it slowly.  It's not like asking someone on a date!  It's really about deciding if it's someone you want to spend time with - and maybe even for your families to spend time together.  This involves kids and spouses and how will they all get along?

Sometimes it just works!  And I'm really glad when it does!


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

#BeBrave

I found myself in an unfamiliar and uncomfortable place this week.  It's taken me days to process what occurred, how I responded and how I'm choosing to move forward. In a professional environment, during an ordinary 3pm de-brief meeting I found myself being verbally attacked and disrespected by a bully.  I remained calm, spoke my mind carefully and respectfully.  It was surprising and over the next few days became increasingly unsettling. There were others in the room, and no one spoke to support me.  It has struck me as so odd, hurtful and profoundly unacceptable. Like any good drama episode written by Aaron Sorkin or JJ Abrams, let's rewind to 8 hours earlier. Once again browsing new selections in iTunes for my running mix.  I know, I get bored easily, huh?  I love how the music motivates me so I'm always on the lookout for new and upbeat songs.  I came across a feature for the new Sara Bareilles album streaming for free this weekend, so I b...
Post a Comment
Read more

Be yourself

Sometimes things just hit me like out of the blue and I wonder why didn't I think of that sooner!?  And after the realization settles in I'm at such peace.  This has happened several times recently at work with all the lessons I've amassed over the last 8 months of a project that is coming to a close.  I honestly didn't realize that I learned so much, or that I was actually putting those lessons into action. I find that I evolve at an interesting rate.  Sometimes it feels as though nothing changes, and other times it's like I don't even remember how things used to be.  And all the while I've maintained that I just need to be myself.  Although I've changed over time through the lessons, the core of who I am remains the same. And that's a great feeling.  To not have to turn myself inside out to fit.  It not only allows me to be authentic, but feels so true deep inside.  I say what I mean, I mean what I say and I know how to say it as to...
Post a Comment
Read more

How to get out of an EPIC funk!

This morning I woke to a funk.  Yes, mine.  Reasons to me were relatively clear.  Relationships in my life that are not working.  Lingering fear.  Dissatisfaction in my primary relationship.  To be honest seems like the same stuff that's been hanging on for the last six months. Today felt heavy.  Too heavy for a holiday. How do I push through it?  Cause it seems that I'm unable to go around it. Again. A holiday means every one is home with me.  So solitude is not really the answer.  But writing is. So how did I get out of an epic funk this morning.  I got honest with myself.  And I cried.  Cause feelings hurt.  And people disappoint.  Yet somehow, someway life moves on. I got honest with myself by writing about it.  Detailing what was troubling me into this place and what I saw as the way out.  I gave myself permission to be honest.  Even though it wasn't simple or fascinating.  ...
Post a Comment
Read more