Prepare for the nerdiest sentence on the internet… I have met many of my best friends on earth at conferences. I know, I know. It’s the kind of thing one should probably keep to themselves. But it’s true and I’m so damn grateful that I don’t care if it makes you think of less of me (as surely you were under the assumption that I was devastatingly cool based on my previous posts about
Being 'women of a certain age' we are very covid conscious, and during the lockdown we began walking (distanced) together. There is no shortage of discussion topics, as the other three have led interesting lives, filled with career, family, travel and adventure. (Actress, assistant deputy minister in the government, owner of a p.r. firm in Toronto, etc etc.)
Although Canadian, all of us are politically engaged, and connected to the US in one way or another through spouses or kids, so no shortage of animated discussions there :)
It was a surprise to me how we bonded - as we weren't all close close friends before the pandemic. It shouldn't surprise me, really, as they are smart, compassionate, funny, creative women - emphasis on the kindness and compassion.
I recently had a friend that I hadn't seen in 10 years (!) show up to help out while I was feeling sick from chemo. It was like we saw each other last week. It was amazing. Her presence was nourishing to my whole family. Hurrah for friendships like yours and mine.
Friends. Where would I be without them? Who would I be without them? They bring out the best in us.
Lockdown and the pandemic helped me to appreciate and prioritize the most meaningful relationships in my life. Some of the results were unpredictable (a 'Walkie Talkie group, a regular bi-monthly FaceTime with a couple of dear friends across the continent, and a weekly Dance Pals coffee/lunch/happy hour meeting evolved-surprisingly- and continue!) and some challenging relationships disappeared asthe pandemic gave me the circumstances to allow the friendships to fall away.
I like how you are enthusiastic with your love and praise and admiration of your friends.
What a lovely reflection on friendship! I have such a slow burn friendship with a woman I met in college. We live in different states now but we talk on birthdays and holidays and the friendship is golden. Thank you for reminding me that I should tell her how much I appreciate her and love our friendship over these 40 some years!
Courtney is fortunate to have met best friends at conferences. At my advanced age, those I meet at academic conferences on Political Science are ancient windbags intoxicated by their own verbosity. Aside from those in my high school classes, the most invigorating people I encounter are at protests, such as last Saturday in Portland. But I’d really like to befriend the police. When I tried to engage some most recently, they replied, “Grandpa, go home to your rocking chair where you belong.” Not encouraging; but I’m there for my granddaughters mainly and not them. Thanks for the chance to share. DD
Being 'women of a certain age' we are very covid conscious, and during the lockdown we began walking (distanced) together. There is no shortage of discussion topics, as the other three have led interesting lives, filled with career, family, travel and adventure. (Actress, assistant deputy minister in the government, owner of a p.r. firm in Toronto, etc etc.)
Although Canadian, all of us are politically engaged, and connected to the US in one way or another through spouses or kids, so no shortage of animated discussions there :)
It was a surprise to me how we bonded - as we weren't all close close friends before the pandemic. It shouldn't surprise me, really, as they are smart, compassionate, funny, creative women - emphasis on the kindness and compassion.
I recently had a friend that I hadn't seen in 10 years (!) show up to help out while I was feeling sick from chemo. It was like we saw each other last week. It was amazing. Her presence was nourishing to my whole family. Hurrah for friendships like yours and mine.
Friends. Where would I be without them? Who would I be without them? They bring out the best in us.
Lockdown and the pandemic helped me to appreciate and prioritize the most meaningful relationships in my life. Some of the results were unpredictable (a 'Walkie Talkie group, a regular bi-monthly FaceTime with a couple of dear friends across the continent, and a weekly Dance Pals coffee/lunch/happy hour meeting evolved-surprisingly- and continue!) and some challenging relationships disappeared asthe pandemic gave me the circumstances to allow the friendships to fall away.
I like how you are enthusiastic with your love and praise and admiration of your friends.
What a lovely reflection on friendship! I have such a slow burn friendship with a woman I met in college. We live in different states now but we talk on birthdays and holidays and the friendship is golden. Thank you for reminding me that I should tell her how much I appreciate her and love our friendship over these 40 some years!
Courtney is fortunate to have met best friends at conferences. At my advanced age, those I meet at academic conferences on Political Science are ancient windbags intoxicated by their own verbosity. Aside from those in my high school classes, the most invigorating people I encounter are at protests, such as last Saturday in Portland. But I’d really like to befriend the police. When I tried to engage some most recently, they replied, “Grandpa, go home to your rocking chair where you belong.” Not encouraging; but I’m there for my granddaughters mainly and not them. Thanks for the chance to share. DD
Writing as someone who took a lot longer to come to this wisdom, kudos for having built these relationships during the most hectic part of your life.
A love note for friendship reminds me to keep in touch, reach out, give some love to my own precious friends. “Slow burn”, like that.
I have come back to read this piece at least 5 times in the past few months.
I feel seen 🥹
I stumbled on this when I was researching on the concept of slow burn friendships.
I’m finally able to put my thoughts down, and reading this piece has helped.
Thank youuuu