Andrea here, As we head into the holiday season, with its festive gatherings replete with oodles of sweets treats and bubbly libations, I find myself thinking not only of all the scrumptious ways in which I can consume chocolate (okay, okay, I tend to think of that in any season) but also of the far more important meaning of the season. It's a time to reflect on the gifts we have in our lives. And one of the gifts for which I'm most grateful are my friendships.
Friendships lie at the heart of the books I write. My plots deal with solving a conundrum—usually one that starts with a murder—in order to ensure that Good triumphs over Evil. But one of the major threads that weaves through all the stories is how friendship—love, loyalty, trust, camaraderie—is key to giving my main protagonists the strength and courage to overcome daunting challenges and solve the crime. They can’t do it alone . . .
But I am digressing slightly from my main topic, since what sparked my musing today is not fiction, but real life.
Just recently, I went away on a long weekend with my college roommates. We’ve known each other since the first day of freshman year. It’s been a long time since then—don’t ask!— and while so many things have changed in our lives, what is an elemental source of joy that we are still the best of friends.
We have stayed connected throughout the years, and though some periods passed in a blur as work and family consumed much of our time, the bond never changed. Then, during the pandemic, we began doing bi-weekly Zoom calls. They tended to go on for close two hours as it felt like we were back in our dorm sharing all the myriad ups and downs of daily life. That’s when we hatched the idea of a “Girl-Getaway.” The first one was last April, just when the world was beginning to open up and it felt safe to gather in person. We chose an AirBnb house overlooking the river on the scenic upper Hudson Valley, which was within doable driving distance for all of us. And we had so much fun that we did again two weekends ago, just before Thanksgiving. (Alas, our fifth came down with a stomach flu and missed the fun.)
I’m still smiling. What with the way that everything in world seems to change with head-spinning speed these days, it’s such a delight to have these enduring friendships in my life. A recent male friend—slightly puzzled—asked “what do you do all day?” Well, the short answer is that we talk and we laugh! We all like to cook, so it starts with breakfast. We always do some advance planning and bring essentials for the kitchen with us. So out come the bagels from a special bakery in Brooklyn, apples and artisanal cheeses from Vermont, smoked salmon, capers . . . I bring special coffee beans and my grinder. (And wine, of course. But that’s for evening, when we’re sitting by the cozy wood-burning stove.)
Then there are walks along the beautiful Hudson River, gabbing a mile a minute thought our pace might be a tad slower. It’s a great area for interesting museums, so we always plan a visit. And then there are discussions about what we are going to cook for our Saturday night dinner. (Since we’re all arriving after a long drive on Friday, we always go out to dinner at a nice restaurant.)
During our April, visit to the area, we discovered an amazing market near our rented house with an amazing array of fresh produce, seafood, and all manner of gourmet treats. It’s one of the reasons we went back to the same area again. We decided on a shrimp stir fry because the veggies looked so fabulous. Shopping done, we uncorked a nice Sauvignon Blanc and set to work chopping . . .
What did we did talk about as we sat around the kitchen table? Any and everything! We’re all avid readers, so we talked about the books we’ve been reading and traded recommendations. We talked about family . . . work . . . what makes us happy . . . what makes us worried. What’s amazing is that we pick up as if we were just in our dorm room the night before, no matter that years have passed since that time. It’s indescribably wonderful to be able to share what I'm thinking and feeling with people I’ve known and loved for much of my life.
It’s an old adage—some might call it a platitude—but I find that sharing with friends truly does lighten the weight of worries on my shoulders and is a comfort and a joy. So as I reflect about all the things in my life for which I am thankful, my friendship with my college BFFs is right up at the top of the list.
So, what about you? What are some of the elemental things for which you are grateful? And do you have special friends—old or new; two or four-footed—with whom you share a special bond?
Andrea, what a wonderful post! I wish I was one of your gang. Friendships, especially such long running ones, contribute greatly to both sanity and fun. Like you, I also write stories where friendships are fundamental in the characters lives. I usually write about groups of male friends bonded like brothers, partly because men aren’t always as good at friendship.
So what do your pals think of your writing success? I’m sure they’re wildly proud of you!
Andrea, what a wonderful post! I wish I was one of your gang. Friendships, especially such long running ones, contribute greatly to both sanity and fun. Like you, I also write stories where friendships are fundamental in the characters lives. I usually write about groups of male friends bonded like brothers, partly because men aren’t always as good at friendship.
So what do your pals think of your writing success? I’m sure they’re wildly proud of you!
Andrea, what a wonderful post! I wish I was one of your gang. Friendships, especially such long running ones, contribute greatly to both sanity and fun. Like you, I also write stories where friendships are fundamental in the characters lives. I usually write about groups of male friends bonded like brothers, partly because men aren’t always as good at friendship.
So what do your pals think of your writing success? I’m sure they’re wildly proud of you!
Andrea, what a wonderful post! I wish I was one of your gang. Friendships, especially such long running ones, contribute greatly to both sanity and fun. Like you, I also write stories where friendships are fundamental in the characters lives. I usually write about groups of male friends bonded like brothers, partly because men aren’t always as good at friendship.
So what do your pals think of your writing success? I’m sure they’re wildly proud of you!
Andrea, what a wonderful post! I wish I was one of your gang. Friendships, especially such long running ones, contribute greatly to both sanity and fun. Like you, I also write stories where friendships are fundamental in the characters lives. I usually write about groups of male friends bonded like brothers, partly because men aren’t always as good at friendship.
So what do your pals think of your writing success? I’m sure they’re wildly proud of you!
Thank you, Mary Jo. You ARE one of my gang! The Wenches are the other incredibly special group of friends in my life.
With my college pals, it’s just so amazing that we have literally grown up together, meeting at that moment when we took our first step in being an adult. We’ve been through a lot together, but despite all the changes in life, we still really cherish each other’s company. They are very accomplished people in their own right, and we all take joy in celebrating each other’s achievements.
Thank you, Mary Jo. You ARE one of my gang! The Wenches are the other incredibly special group of friends in my life.
With my college pals, it’s just so amazing that we have literally grown up together, meeting at that moment when we took our first step in being an adult. We’ve been through a lot together, but despite all the changes in life, we still really cherish each other’s company. They are very accomplished people in their own right, and we all take joy in celebrating each other’s achievements.
Thank you, Mary Jo. You ARE one of my gang! The Wenches are the other incredibly special group of friends in my life.
With my college pals, it’s just so amazing that we have literally grown up together, meeting at that moment when we took our first step in being an adult. We’ve been through a lot together, but despite all the changes in life, we still really cherish each other’s company. They are very accomplished people in their own right, and we all take joy in celebrating each other’s achievements.
Thank you, Mary Jo. You ARE one of my gang! The Wenches are the other incredibly special group of friends in my life.
With my college pals, it’s just so amazing that we have literally grown up together, meeting at that moment when we took our first step in being an adult. We’ve been through a lot together, but despite all the changes in life, we still really cherish each other’s company. They are very accomplished people in their own right, and we all take joy in celebrating each other’s achievements.
Thank you, Mary Jo. You ARE one of my gang! The Wenches are the other incredibly special group of friends in my life.
With my college pals, it’s just so amazing that we have literally grown up together, meeting at that moment when we took our first step in being an adult. We’ve been through a lot together, but despite all the changes in life, we still really cherish each other’s company. They are very accomplished people in their own right, and we all take joy in celebrating each other’s achievements.
Such a lovely post, Andrea, and I have been thinking the same thing! When I was in Sweden recently, I met up with old friends (two of them I’ve known since kindergarten!) and it was exactly the same. It is as if no time at all has passed since the last time we chatted and we just pick up where we left off. It is uncomplicated and comfortable, and such a joy. There really is nothing better than good friends!
Such a lovely post, Andrea, and I have been thinking the same thing! When I was in Sweden recently, I met up with old friends (two of them I’ve known since kindergarten!) and it was exactly the same. It is as if no time at all has passed since the last time we chatted and we just pick up where we left off. It is uncomplicated and comfortable, and such a joy. There really is nothing better than good friends!
Such a lovely post, Andrea, and I have been thinking the same thing! When I was in Sweden recently, I met up with old friends (two of them I’ve known since kindergarten!) and it was exactly the same. It is as if no time at all has passed since the last time we chatted and we just pick up where we left off. It is uncomplicated and comfortable, and such a joy. There really is nothing better than good friends!
Such a lovely post, Andrea, and I have been thinking the same thing! When I was in Sweden recently, I met up with old friends (two of them I’ve known since kindergarten!) and it was exactly the same. It is as if no time at all has passed since the last time we chatted and we just pick up where we left off. It is uncomplicated and comfortable, and such a joy. There really is nothing better than good friends!
Such a lovely post, Andrea, and I have been thinking the same thing! When I was in Sweden recently, I met up with old friends (two of them I’ve known since kindergarten!) and it was exactly the same. It is as if no time at all has passed since the last time we chatted and we just pick up where we left off. It is uncomplicated and comfortable, and such a joy. There really is nothing better than good friends!
Oh, that sounds wonderful, Pia! Yes, isn’t it truly special to have longtime friends with whom you have shared so many life experiences. I treasure that connection.
Oh, that sounds wonderful, Pia! Yes, isn’t it truly special to have longtime friends with whom you have shared so many life experiences. I treasure that connection.
Oh, that sounds wonderful, Pia! Yes, isn’t it truly special to have longtime friends with whom you have shared so many life experiences. I treasure that connection.
Oh, that sounds wonderful, Pia! Yes, isn’t it truly special to have longtime friends with whom you have shared so many life experiences. I treasure that connection.
Oh, that sounds wonderful, Pia! Yes, isn’t it truly special to have longtime friends with whom you have shared so many life experiences. I treasure that connection.
I envy you this friendship. My mother unintentionally interferred with my keeping up with friendships in this way. But the more important interuptions waa life. By the time I had reached my forties, more than half my college class had died.
I envy you this friendship. My mother unintentionally interferred with my keeping up with friendships in this way. But the more important interuptions waa life. By the time I had reached my forties, more than half my college class had died.
I envy you this friendship. My mother unintentionally interferred with my keeping up with friendships in this way. But the more important interuptions waa life. By the time I had reached my forties, more than half my college class had died.
I envy you this friendship. My mother unintentionally interferred with my keeping up with friendships in this way. But the more important interuptions waa life. By the time I had reached my forties, more than half my college class had died.
I envy you this friendship. My mother unintentionally interferred with my keeping up with friendships in this way. But the more important interuptions waa life. By the time I had reached my forties, more than half my college class had died.
Oh, Sue, I’m so sorry to hear this.That’s very sobering statistic.
There are so many things that can disrupt friendships made early in life. I’m aware of that and I think makes me even more grateful that that my roommates and I have managed to keep our connection.
Oh, Sue, I’m so sorry to hear this.That’s very sobering statistic.
There are so many things that can disrupt friendships made early in life. I’m aware of that and I think makes me even more grateful that that my roommates and I have managed to keep our connection.
Oh, Sue, I’m so sorry to hear this.That’s very sobering statistic.
There are so many things that can disrupt friendships made early in life. I’m aware of that and I think makes me even more grateful that that my roommates and I have managed to keep our connection.
Oh, Sue, I’m so sorry to hear this.That’s very sobering statistic.
There are so many things that can disrupt friendships made early in life. I’m aware of that and I think makes me even more grateful that that my roommates and I have managed to keep our connection.
Oh, Sue, I’m so sorry to hear this.That’s very sobering statistic.
There are so many things that can disrupt friendships made early in life. I’m aware of that and I think makes me even more grateful that that my roommates and I have managed to keep our connection.
This is a wonderful post Andrea. Friendships are truly a gift. I have 2 friends from high school that I visit with twice a year. They each have kind hearted children who accept my son who has Autism. They interact with my son and talk with him as an equal which makes me appreciate my friendships even more.
This is a wonderful post Andrea. Friendships are truly a gift. I have 2 friends from high school that I visit with twice a year. They each have kind hearted children who accept my son who has Autism. They interact with my son and talk with him as an equal which makes me appreciate my friendships even more.
This is a wonderful post Andrea. Friendships are truly a gift. I have 2 friends from high school that I visit with twice a year. They each have kind hearted children who accept my son who has Autism. They interact with my son and talk with him as an equal which makes me appreciate my friendships even more.
This is a wonderful post Andrea. Friendships are truly a gift. I have 2 friends from high school that I visit with twice a year. They each have kind hearted children who accept my son who has Autism. They interact with my son and talk with him as an equal which makes me appreciate my friendships even more.
This is a wonderful post Andrea. Friendships are truly a gift. I have 2 friends from high school that I visit with twice a year. They each have kind hearted children who accept my son who has Autism. They interact with my son and talk with him as an equal which makes me appreciate my friendships even more.
In Girl Scouts, we used to sing, “Make new friends, but keep the old – one is silver and the other’s gold!” And that’s my experience. My closest friends are women I’ve met during my working life, but I’ve known most of them at least 40 years now, and a couple of them less than 10 years. And I agree with Mary Jo’s comment re men’s friendships; my husband admits to being envious of the closeness my women friends and I share. We have been through so much together, even though we are scattered across the world and can go years without seeing each other – Zoom has been wonderful for us, and we wonder why we didn’t think of it before the pandemic!
In Girl Scouts, we used to sing, “Make new friends, but keep the old – one is silver and the other’s gold!” And that’s my experience. My closest friends are women I’ve met during my working life, but I’ve known most of them at least 40 years now, and a couple of them less than 10 years. And I agree with Mary Jo’s comment re men’s friendships; my husband admits to being envious of the closeness my women friends and I share. We have been through so much together, even though we are scattered across the world and can go years without seeing each other – Zoom has been wonderful for us, and we wonder why we didn’t think of it before the pandemic!
In Girl Scouts, we used to sing, “Make new friends, but keep the old – one is silver and the other’s gold!” And that’s my experience. My closest friends are women I’ve met during my working life, but I’ve known most of them at least 40 years now, and a couple of them less than 10 years. And I agree with Mary Jo’s comment re men’s friendships; my husband admits to being envious of the closeness my women friends and I share. We have been through so much together, even though we are scattered across the world and can go years without seeing each other – Zoom has been wonderful for us, and we wonder why we didn’t think of it before the pandemic!
In Girl Scouts, we used to sing, “Make new friends, but keep the old – one is silver and the other’s gold!” And that’s my experience. My closest friends are women I’ve met during my working life, but I’ve known most of them at least 40 years now, and a couple of them less than 10 years. And I agree with Mary Jo’s comment re men’s friendships; my husband admits to being envious of the closeness my women friends and I share. We have been through so much together, even though we are scattered across the world and can go years without seeing each other – Zoom has been wonderful for us, and we wonder why we didn’t think of it before the pandemic!
In Girl Scouts, we used to sing, “Make new friends, but keep the old – one is silver and the other’s gold!” And that’s my experience. My closest friends are women I’ve met during my working life, but I’ve known most of them at least 40 years now, and a couple of them less than 10 years. And I agree with Mary Jo’s comment re men’s friendships; my husband admits to being envious of the closeness my women friends and I share. We have been through so much together, even though we are scattered across the world and can go years without seeing each other – Zoom has been wonderful for us, and we wonder why we didn’t think of it before the pandemic!
Andrea, what a truly beautiful post. I know that all of you must be so happy to have this bond which has grown over the years.
The people with whom I had that kind of relationship are no longer here.
But, since I am older than dirt, that is to be expected.
I will say, treasure those friendships, because things can change in an instant,
Hope everyone is well and safe and happy.
Andrea, what a truly beautiful post. I know that all of you must be so happy to have this bond which has grown over the years.
The people with whom I had that kind of relationship are no longer here.
But, since I am older than dirt, that is to be expected.
I will say, treasure those friendships, because things can change in an instant,
Hope everyone is well and safe and happy.
Andrea, what a truly beautiful post. I know that all of you must be so happy to have this bond which has grown over the years.
The people with whom I had that kind of relationship are no longer here.
But, since I am older than dirt, that is to be expected.
I will say, treasure those friendships, because things can change in an instant,
Hope everyone is well and safe and happy.
Andrea, what a truly beautiful post. I know that all of you must be so happy to have this bond which has grown over the years.
The people with whom I had that kind of relationship are no longer here.
But, since I am older than dirt, that is to be expected.
I will say, treasure those friendships, because things can change in an instant,
Hope everyone is well and safe and happy.
Andrea, what a truly beautiful post. I know that all of you must be so happy to have this bond which has grown over the years.
The people with whom I had that kind of relationship are no longer here.
But, since I am older than dirt, that is to be expected.
I will say, treasure those friendships, because things can change in an instant,
Hope everyone is well and safe and happy.
Wow – Andrea – how fun! I’ve always had good girlfriends but since we moved around quite a bit, I don’t get to see many of them and you kind of lose contact as the years go by. I would say my best group of galpals formed when we were 40-50 years old since our kids were pretty much self-sufficient and our jobs allowed us some leeway. This was when we were in Pennsylvania. Our favorite trip would be a bus trip to the Finger Lakes area of New York. We would visit all the wineries, go to museums in Corning, visit Watkins Glen & Ithaca. Just wonderful and we’d gather in someone’s room in the evening with wine and snacks. Talk & much laughter ensued!
Wow – Andrea – how fun! I’ve always had good girlfriends but since we moved around quite a bit, I don’t get to see many of them and you kind of lose contact as the years go by. I would say my best group of galpals formed when we were 40-50 years old since our kids were pretty much self-sufficient and our jobs allowed us some leeway. This was when we were in Pennsylvania. Our favorite trip would be a bus trip to the Finger Lakes area of New York. We would visit all the wineries, go to museums in Corning, visit Watkins Glen & Ithaca. Just wonderful and we’d gather in someone’s room in the evening with wine and snacks. Talk & much laughter ensued!
Wow – Andrea – how fun! I’ve always had good girlfriends but since we moved around quite a bit, I don’t get to see many of them and you kind of lose contact as the years go by. I would say my best group of galpals formed when we were 40-50 years old since our kids were pretty much self-sufficient and our jobs allowed us some leeway. This was when we were in Pennsylvania. Our favorite trip would be a bus trip to the Finger Lakes area of New York. We would visit all the wineries, go to museums in Corning, visit Watkins Glen & Ithaca. Just wonderful and we’d gather in someone’s room in the evening with wine and snacks. Talk & much laughter ensued!
Wow – Andrea – how fun! I’ve always had good girlfriends but since we moved around quite a bit, I don’t get to see many of them and you kind of lose contact as the years go by. I would say my best group of galpals formed when we were 40-50 years old since our kids were pretty much self-sufficient and our jobs allowed us some leeway. This was when we were in Pennsylvania. Our favorite trip would be a bus trip to the Finger Lakes area of New York. We would visit all the wineries, go to museums in Corning, visit Watkins Glen & Ithaca. Just wonderful and we’d gather in someone’s room in the evening with wine and snacks. Talk & much laughter ensued!
Wow – Andrea – how fun! I’ve always had good girlfriends but since we moved around quite a bit, I don’t get to see many of them and you kind of lose contact as the years go by. I would say my best group of galpals formed when we were 40-50 years old since our kids were pretty much self-sufficient and our jobs allowed us some leeway. This was when we were in Pennsylvania. Our favorite trip would be a bus trip to the Finger Lakes area of New York. We would visit all the wineries, go to museums in Corning, visit Watkins Glen & Ithaca. Just wonderful and we’d gather in someone’s room in the evening with wine and snacks. Talk & much laughter ensued!
What a lovely post, Andrea. You are fortunate indeed in having such a great group of friends.
I have some college era friends, but we are far flung and I haven’t seen them in years. I do feel that I could connect with them as though little time had passed.
I treasure my more recent friends, too!
What a lovely post, Andrea. You are fortunate indeed in having such a great group of friends.
I have some college era friends, but we are far flung and I haven’t seen them in years. I do feel that I could connect with them as though little time had passed.
I treasure my more recent friends, too!
What a lovely post, Andrea. You are fortunate indeed in having such a great group of friends.
I have some college era friends, but we are far flung and I haven’t seen them in years. I do feel that I could connect with them as though little time had passed.
I treasure my more recent friends, too!
What a lovely post, Andrea. You are fortunate indeed in having such a great group of friends.
I have some college era friends, but we are far flung and I haven’t seen them in years. I do feel that I could connect with them as though little time had passed.
I treasure my more recent friends, too!
What a lovely post, Andrea. You are fortunate indeed in having such a great group of friends.
I have some college era friends, but we are far flung and I haven’t seen them in years. I do feel that I could connect with them as though little time had passed.
I treasure my more recent friends, too!
Maryellen, what a wonderful story! No wonder you have been fast friend with your high school classmates. Clearly they are lovely people and raised their children to have the right values.
Maryellen, what a wonderful story! No wonder you have been fast friend with your high school classmates. Clearly they are lovely people and raised their children to have the right values.
Maryellen, what a wonderful story! No wonder you have been fast friend with your high school classmates. Clearly they are lovely people and raised their children to have the right values.
Maryellen, what a wonderful story! No wonder you have been fast friend with your high school classmates. Clearly they are lovely people and raised their children to have the right values.
Maryellen, what a wonderful story! No wonder you have been fast friend with your high school classmates. Clearly they are lovely people and raised their children to have the right values.
I treasure my oldest and closest friends, although I have lost a couple of them over the years, and most live out of state. But I do try to see the faraway ones at least every few years. Girls’ weekends are the best! I did one with 2 college friends, we rented a cabin on Lake Erie in Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio, which is a low-key but lovely spot. Your getaway to the Hudson Valley sounds wonderful.
I treasure my oldest and closest friends, although I have lost a couple of them over the years, and most live out of state. But I do try to see the faraway ones at least every few years. Girls’ weekends are the best! I did one with 2 college friends, we rented a cabin on Lake Erie in Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio, which is a low-key but lovely spot. Your getaway to the Hudson Valley sounds wonderful.
I treasure my oldest and closest friends, although I have lost a couple of them over the years, and most live out of state. But I do try to see the faraway ones at least every few years. Girls’ weekends are the best! I did one with 2 college friends, we rented a cabin on Lake Erie in Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio, which is a low-key but lovely spot. Your getaway to the Hudson Valley sounds wonderful.
I treasure my oldest and closest friends, although I have lost a couple of them over the years, and most live out of state. But I do try to see the faraway ones at least every few years. Girls’ weekends are the best! I did one with 2 college friends, we rented a cabin on Lake Erie in Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio, which is a low-key but lovely spot. Your getaway to the Hudson Valley sounds wonderful.
I treasure my oldest and closest friends, although I have lost a couple of them over the years, and most live out of state. But I do try to see the faraway ones at least every few years. Girls’ weekends are the best! I did one with 2 college friends, we rented a cabin on Lake Erie in Geneva-on-the-Lake, Ohio, which is a low-key but lovely spot. Your getaway to the Hudson Valley sounds wonderful.
And fyi, I do so some men who do a “guy’s weekend” every year, but they don’t call it that. It’s usually a “fishing/hunting trip” “camping trip” or traveling together to some kind of sports event.
And fyi, I do so some men who do a “guy’s weekend” every year, but they don’t call it that. It’s usually a “fishing/hunting trip” “camping trip” or traveling together to some kind of sports event.
And fyi, I do so some men who do a “guy’s weekend” every year, but they don’t call it that. It’s usually a “fishing/hunting trip” “camping trip” or traveling together to some kind of sports event.
And fyi, I do so some men who do a “guy’s weekend” every year, but they don’t call it that. It’s usually a “fishing/hunting trip” “camping trip” or traveling together to some kind of sports event.
And fyi, I do so some men who do a “guy’s weekend” every year, but they don’t call it that. It’s usually a “fishing/hunting trip” “camping trip” or traveling together to some kind of sports event.
Constance, aren’t those longterm friendship so special—the ones where you can go ages not seeing each other, but still pick up right where you left off! All friendships are wonderful, of course, but the ones than span a good chunk of your life really resonate.
Yes, I think Mary Jo’s comment about men and friendships is very true. I think it might be changing in the new generation. But so many men have been raised to think it’s weak to discuss their feelings or admit to any vulnerability. That’s such a shame—one really loses out when you don’t have friends with whom to share your thoughts.
And yes, Zoom really has been the silver lining in the pademic cloud. I’ve connected with other friends as well, and while it’s not quite as good as in person, it’s pretty great!
Constance, aren’t those longterm friendship so special—the ones where you can go ages not seeing each other, but still pick up right where you left off! All friendships are wonderful, of course, but the ones than span a good chunk of your life really resonate.
Yes, I think Mary Jo’s comment about men and friendships is very true. I think it might be changing in the new generation. But so many men have been raised to think it’s weak to discuss their feelings or admit to any vulnerability. That’s such a shame—one really loses out when you don’t have friends with whom to share your thoughts.
And yes, Zoom really has been the silver lining in the pademic cloud. I’ve connected with other friends as well, and while it’s not quite as good as in person, it’s pretty great!
Constance, aren’t those longterm friendship so special—the ones where you can go ages not seeing each other, but still pick up right where you left off! All friendships are wonderful, of course, but the ones than span a good chunk of your life really resonate.
Yes, I think Mary Jo’s comment about men and friendships is very true. I think it might be changing in the new generation. But so many men have been raised to think it’s weak to discuss their feelings or admit to any vulnerability. That’s such a shame—one really loses out when you don’t have friends with whom to share your thoughts.
And yes, Zoom really has been the silver lining in the pademic cloud. I’ve connected with other friends as well, and while it’s not quite as good as in person, it’s pretty great!
Constance, aren’t those longterm friendship so special—the ones where you can go ages not seeing each other, but still pick up right where you left off! All friendships are wonderful, of course, but the ones than span a good chunk of your life really resonate.
Yes, I think Mary Jo’s comment about men and friendships is very true. I think it might be changing in the new generation. But so many men have been raised to think it’s weak to discuss their feelings or admit to any vulnerability. That’s such a shame—one really loses out when you don’t have friends with whom to share your thoughts.
And yes, Zoom really has been the silver lining in the pademic cloud. I’ve connected with other friends as well, and while it’s not quite as good as in person, it’s pretty great!
Constance, aren’t those longterm friendship so special—the ones where you can go ages not seeing each other, but still pick up right where you left off! All friendships are wonderful, of course, but the ones than span a good chunk of your life really resonate.
Yes, I think Mary Jo’s comment about men and friendships is very true. I think it might be changing in the new generation. But so many men have been raised to think it’s weak to discuss their feelings or admit to any vulnerability. That’s such a shame—one really loses out when you don’t have friends with whom to share your thoughts.
And yes, Zoom really has been the silver lining in the pademic cloud. I’ve connected with other friends as well, and while it’s not quite as good as in person, it’s pretty great!
Thank you, Annette. I know it must be hard not to have your friends here, but I hope the memories of your closeness helps to make you smile.
I’m very aware of cherishing the present. That’s one of the things my friends and I talked about. We all had a million reasons for not finding the time to get away together. But we all agreed that we would just make the time.
Thank you, Annette. I know it must be hard not to have your friends here, but I hope the memories of your closeness helps to make you smile.
I’m very aware of cherishing the present. That’s one of the things my friends and I talked about. We all had a million reasons for not finding the time to get away together. But we all agreed that we would just make the time.
Thank you, Annette. I know it must be hard not to have your friends here, but I hope the memories of your closeness helps to make you smile.
I’m very aware of cherishing the present. That’s one of the things my friends and I talked about. We all had a million reasons for not finding the time to get away together. But we all agreed that we would just make the time.
Thank you, Annette. I know it must be hard not to have your friends here, but I hope the memories of your closeness helps to make you smile.
I’m very aware of cherishing the present. That’s one of the things my friends and I talked about. We all had a million reasons for not finding the time to get away together. But we all agreed that we would just make the time.
Thank you, Annette. I know it must be hard not to have your friends here, but I hope the memories of your closeness helps to make you smile.
I’m very aware of cherishing the present. That’s one of the things my friends and I talked about. We all had a million reasons for not finding the time to get away together. But we all agreed that we would just make the time.
Jeanne, that sounds like a PERFECT “buddy” trip. I can well imagine how much fun and laughter went on! It’s hard to keep the connections. For me, the pandemic was a really wake-up call to make a concerted effort tokeep the bonds of friendship as strong as possible.
Jeanne, that sounds like a PERFECT “buddy” trip. I can well imagine how much fun and laughter went on! It’s hard to keep the connections. For me, the pandemic was a really wake-up call to make a concerted effort tokeep the bonds of friendship as strong as possible.
Jeanne, that sounds like a PERFECT “buddy” trip. I can well imagine how much fun and laughter went on! It’s hard to keep the connections. For me, the pandemic was a really wake-up call to make a concerted effort tokeep the bonds of friendship as strong as possible.
Jeanne, that sounds like a PERFECT “buddy” trip. I can well imagine how much fun and laughter went on! It’s hard to keep the connections. For me, the pandemic was a really wake-up call to make a concerted effort tokeep the bonds of friendship as strong as possible.
Jeanne, that sounds like a PERFECT “buddy” trip. I can well imagine how much fun and laughter went on! It’s hard to keep the connections. For me, the pandemic was a really wake-up call to make a concerted effort tokeep the bonds of friendship as strong as possible.
Thank you, Kareni! Yes, ALL friends are very special.
Have you zoomed with your college friends. We started out doing that and found we were having so much fun that we really wanted to get together in person. Luckily we are all within reasonable driving distance of a contral gathering place, so that make it easier. But hey, pick a cool destination, and you never know—maybe you all will decide it’s time for a reunion!
Thank you, Kareni! Yes, ALL friends are very special.
Have you zoomed with your college friends. We started out doing that and found we were having so much fun that we really wanted to get together in person. Luckily we are all within reasonable driving distance of a contral gathering place, so that make it easier. But hey, pick a cool destination, and you never know—maybe you all will decide it’s time for a reunion!
Thank you, Kareni! Yes, ALL friends are very special.
Have you zoomed with your college friends. We started out doing that and found we were having so much fun that we really wanted to get together in person. Luckily we are all within reasonable driving distance of a contral gathering place, so that make it easier. But hey, pick a cool destination, and you never know—maybe you all will decide it’s time for a reunion!
Thank you, Kareni! Yes, ALL friends are very special.
Have you zoomed with your college friends. We started out doing that and found we were having so much fun that we really wanted to get together in person. Luckily we are all within reasonable driving distance of a contral gathering place, so that make it easier. But hey, pick a cool destination, and you never know—maybe you all will decide it’s time for a reunion!
Thank you, Kareni! Yes, ALL friends are very special.
Have you zoomed with your college friends. We started out doing that and found we were having so much fun that we really wanted to get together in person. Luckily we are all within reasonable driving distance of a contral gathering place, so that make it easier. But hey, pick a cool destination, and you never know—maybe you all will decide it’s time for a reunion!
Thanks, Karin! Your trip to the Lake Erie sounds fab, too. Yes, girl get-togethers are really special. And really fun. Men don’t quite understand it , but hey, we don’t need to explain it!
Thanks, Karin! Your trip to the Lake Erie sounds fab, too. Yes, girl get-togethers are really special. And really fun. Men don’t quite understand it , but hey, we don’t need to explain it!
Thanks, Karin! Your trip to the Lake Erie sounds fab, too. Yes, girl get-togethers are really special. And really fun. Men don’t quite understand it , but hey, we don’t need to explain it!
Thanks, Karin! Your trip to the Lake Erie sounds fab, too. Yes, girl get-togethers are really special. And really fun. Men don’t quite understand it , but hey, we don’t need to explain it!
Thanks, Karin! Your trip to the Lake Erie sounds fab, too. Yes, girl get-togethers are really special. And really fun. Men don’t quite understand it , but hey, we don’t need to explain it!
Karin, that’s very true. And they are in the same spirit as our girl trips. However, I find it amusing they they always have to have a “reason” to go away with their friends, rather than just fessing up that they want to hang out together and gab just as much as we do!
Karin, that’s very true. And they are in the same spirit as our girl trips. However, I find it amusing they they always have to have a “reason” to go away with their friends, rather than just fessing up that they want to hang out together and gab just as much as we do!
Karin, that’s very true. And they are in the same spirit as our girl trips. However, I find it amusing they they always have to have a “reason” to go away with their friends, rather than just fessing up that they want to hang out together and gab just as much as we do!
Karin, that’s very true. And they are in the same spirit as our girl trips. However, I find it amusing they they always have to have a “reason” to go away with their friends, rather than just fessing up that they want to hang out together and gab just as much as we do!
Karin, that’s very true. And they are in the same spirit as our girl trips. However, I find it amusing they they always have to have a “reason” to go away with their friends, rather than just fessing up that they want to hang out together and gab just as much as we do!
I have always appreciated my friends but even more so now that I have moved 400 miles and obviously I cannot see them, other than on Zoom. However today a friend from school is visiting her daughter at a local university and I am so looking forward to hugging her, as well as the chance for a catch-up. I just love that thing that Andrea referred to with good friends when you just pick up where you left off, and you don’t have to explain why you moved 400 miles!
I have always appreciated my friends but even more so now that I have moved 400 miles and obviously I cannot see them, other than on Zoom. However today a friend from school is visiting her daughter at a local university and I am so looking forward to hugging her, as well as the chance for a catch-up. I just love that thing that Andrea referred to with good friends when you just pick up where you left off, and you don’t have to explain why you moved 400 miles!
I have always appreciated my friends but even more so now that I have moved 400 miles and obviously I cannot see them, other than on Zoom. However today a friend from school is visiting her daughter at a local university and I am so looking forward to hugging her, as well as the chance for a catch-up. I just love that thing that Andrea referred to with good friends when you just pick up where you left off, and you don’t have to explain why you moved 400 miles!
I have always appreciated my friends but even more so now that I have moved 400 miles and obviously I cannot see them, other than on Zoom. However today a friend from school is visiting her daughter at a local university and I am so looking forward to hugging her, as well as the chance for a catch-up. I just love that thing that Andrea referred to with good friends when you just pick up where you left off, and you don’t have to explain why you moved 400 miles!
I have always appreciated my friends but even more so now that I have moved 400 miles and obviously I cannot see them, other than on Zoom. However today a friend from school is visiting her daughter at a local university and I am so looking forward to hugging her, as well as the chance for a catch-up. I just love that thing that Andrea referred to with good friends when you just pick up where you left off, and you don’t have to explain why you moved 400 miles!