As I wrote here, I’m thinking a lot about friendship. Also, I don’t really know where it’s going. But there’s something here about friendship through the years:
When you are young and first starting to build friendship. Whether they last or not. I know I assumed I’d have a Diana Barry to my Anne Shirley for my whole life.
The friendships you find in school, especially high school and college.
The friendships you build when you no longer have a community made by school as in your twenties.
What happens to friendships as your friends marry and pair off; being the single friend.
But forty is different. I think it has to do with time. Like so:
Had a lunchdate with a nice person who is also a mom. We met at an exercise class, and we both were pretty blunt in our overtures about how we need friends.
At a barbecue with a college friend a few weeks ago, we were all talking about how our friendship ties are hard to maintain. Also, how you have to be very intentional.
At another event, a 40-something mom said pretty bluntly: “What are friends?” Of course in a jokey way but also because …. well … she is busy with things and such relationships have slipped into the background.
Thoughts?