Lately, we’ve been hearing a lot about friendships that are falling apart, changing, or ending without us really knowing why. Today, I want to talk about the other side of the coin: friendships that are on hold, waiting. Not because we don’t nurture them, but simply because they’re so strong that they can withstand anything.
I just got back from coffee and dessert with a friend. We hadn’t seen each other since October. It was absolutely delightful. We picked up the conversation right where we’d left off, and it was as if we’d seen each other the day before. Moments together are rare… And yet, they’re always vibrant and full of life. We said goodbye without really knowing when we’d see each other next, but we weren’t sad. Just happy that we’d made the time.
We’re running around like crazy: the kids, our relationship, work, the house, errands, chores… Life is completely wild! It takes us through all kinds of emotions: pregnancies, trips, moving, buying a house, starting a business, going back to school, changing jobs… It brings its share of commitments, complications, and big responsibilities.
You might think that friendship gets pushed aside—or even neglected—by all these obligations. Priorities lie elsewhere. Well, no—on the contrary, true and solid friendship isn’t neglected at all; it’s an anchor in my life. It’s the only thing that doesn’t change, that doesn’t move too fast, that doesn’t rush this way and that, and that evolves in a beautiful way.
It patiently waits for the right moment for dinner, a drink, brunch, or coffee. It allows me to put these often-stressful aspects on hold so I can relax, pick up a conversation, and have a good time. It also gives me that very special opportunity to take an outside look at my own life for a moment and, in doing so, get back on the right track—or at least have the strength and support I need to ask myself the right questions. It helps me refocus.
It hasn’t always been easy, but I can now say that I have my network—the women who, I know, will be in my life for a long time. Sure, we don’t see each other as often as we’d like, but they’re there, and each one is just as precious as the next. They’ll know who they are…
So see you soon, girls! In three months or in a week… Who knows? Until then, take care of yourselves. I’m thinking of you, and I can’t wait to pick up the conversation where we left off (or will leave off)…