I'm always taking applications for new friends--especially creative, interesting, fun, likeminded ones. I would absolutely love to get together for a walk or movie or museum or whatever if we ever find ourselves in the same city.
Ha, this reminds me of a time in my life that was pure stress due to losing my job and needing to reinvent myself or just go deeper and deeper into debt. I put up that sign, "Closed to all but me," but I was at a social with people much younger and we were all in the same spot, training for the Teaching Fellows in The Bronx, which was its own kind of hell. I was 42 and thought, well, I'm done making new friends. Just give me the job and stop making me socialize. There are 4 girls from that day that made it into my "egg yoke." I still can't believe it but they are like the little sisters I never had even though I was awful, saying to one of them, "I'm not here to make friends." She was new to NY, wrestling her own 22 year old demons and I pushed her away. She later called me on it and we laughed because she was desperate to make friends. I became protective of these women as we navigated a tough field in a tough place. Letting them in taught me that my shield wasn't needed, as my yoke grew.
Thank you for this beautiful antidote to the book I'm currently reading, Bella DePaulo's Single at Heart, which focuses on people who are happy doing everything alone. I want to sit at that big table full of friends, too.
my sister lives in Auxerre, which is a delightful smallish city within a few hours of Paris by train, and her French husband has a restaurant there, Le Dix. She’s fun and knows people so if you really need a connection, look there! but you will find the people you need, I’m quite sure
So happy so happy so happy (had to say it 3 times) you are my friend, and once, when Lilly was little, a mom during a playdate pick up told me, "We are not going to be friends," and I was like, FINE. Jesus, lady, no thanks.
I get the “I don’t have room for new friends” comment very much—I may have said it myself (perhaps not even meaning it!). But I think it comes from feeling pulled too thin—the “I’m already disappointing old friends by not being able to nurture or tend to our relationship so why do I want to bring in new people to disappoint.”😂
But I’m an unreliable narrator, as I continue to make friends. And since I’m on this caretaking journey with my mum also, I just hope those in my life give me grace and a hall pass for all the events I can’t make, all the times I’m too emotionally tired to call, all the birthdays I miss, forget or don’t acknowledge.
And you will definitely find friends in France. And if I were in a different space I’d jump on a plane to see you —for sure!! Love you, Natalie!❤️
Your piece is new to me and a comfy room full of warmth and sunshine. I am sitting across from you with a fragrant cup of Earl Gray, and the birds are singing as we share the miracle of friendship and imagine ourselves floating along the Seine and visiting French cafes. My heart is full. Thank you!
So lovely. And now I'm wishing to meet you just at the garden gate. To pass along a "that was beautiful" and "here's a small cup of tea as thanks."
Me too!
I'm always taking applications for new friends--especially creative, interesting, fun, likeminded ones. I would absolutely love to get together for a walk or movie or museum or whatever if we ever find ourselves in the same city.
I’m in! Meet you in Paris. xN
I will always say yes to new friends!
lucky me! xN
Ha, this reminds me of a time in my life that was pure stress due to losing my job and needing to reinvent myself or just go deeper and deeper into debt. I put up that sign, "Closed to all but me," but I was at a social with people much younger and we were all in the same spot, training for the Teaching Fellows in The Bronx, which was its own kind of hell. I was 42 and thought, well, I'm done making new friends. Just give me the job and stop making me socialize. There are 4 girls from that day that made it into my "egg yoke." I still can't believe it but they are like the little sisters I never had even though I was awful, saying to one of them, "I'm not here to make friends." She was new to NY, wrestling her own 22 year old demons and I pushed her away. She later called me on it and we laughed because she was desperate to make friends. I became protective of these women as we navigated a tough field in a tough place. Letting them in taught me that my shield wasn't needed, as my yoke grew.
I love the idea of a yolk growing! And love that these women pushed past your (temporary) bristles! xN
I’m quite excited having had the opportunity to hang out with you
a couple of times. It’s always great to make new friends and connections as we age. Hope we can have more!
I look forward to it! 😘💯xN
Thank you for this beautiful antidote to the book I'm currently reading, Bella DePaulo's Single at Heart, which focuses on people who are happy doing everything alone. I want to sit at that big table full of friends, too.
Me too!! xN
my sister lives in Auxerre, which is a delightful smallish city within a few hours of Paris by train, and her French husband has a restaurant there, Le Dix. She’s fun and knows people so if you really need a connection, look there! but you will find the people you need, I’m quite sure
What a terrific resource! Thank you 😊 xN
So happy so happy so happy (had to say it 3 times) you are my friend, and once, when Lilly was little, a mom during a playdate pick up told me, "We are not going to be friends," and I was like, FINE. Jesus, lady, no thanks.
I get the “I don’t have room for new friends” comment very much—I may have said it myself (perhaps not even meaning it!). But I think it comes from feeling pulled too thin—the “I’m already disappointing old friends by not being able to nurture or tend to our relationship so why do I want to bring in new people to disappoint.”😂
But I’m an unreliable narrator, as I continue to make friends. And since I’m on this caretaking journey with my mum also, I just hope those in my life give me grace and a hall pass for all the events I can’t make, all the times I’m too emotionally tired to call, all the birthdays I miss, forget or don’t acknowledge.
And you will definitely find friends in France. And if I were in a different space I’d jump on a plane to see you —for sure!! Love you, Natalie!❤️
I love you! Take good care of yourself on this caring roller coaster! xN
I often think if I had stayed on BI we would have gotten to be great friends. Thinking of you on the care giving journey, it's a tough ride. LOVE!
Absolutely! There is no one else I'd want to put a loose dog in the wrong truck with! ;-) I would have LOVED our future shenanigans! Love you, Jen!
love you too. you are amazing in all ways. don’t you forget it!
Natalie, I'll send you to the Friday beach cocktail party my friends have and you will walk away with new ones!
Wonderful 😘🧡💯! xN
Fun and funny are my top requirements for friends too!
Love it! xN
Your piece is new to me and a comfy room full of warmth and sunshine. I am sitting across from you with a fragrant cup of Earl Gray, and the birds are singing as we share the miracle of friendship and imagine ourselves floating along the Seine and visiting French cafes. My heart is full. Thank you!
Oh my! I feel myself across from you as well! I’m holding a cup of delicious coffee and clinking your mug! xN
You will have friends in France. Your heart is a magnet that attracts people.
So kind! Smiling over here!! xN
Wonderful piece. And a longtime stay in France sounds merveilleuse!
Merci, Meta! I hope you are well! xN