When I was in college, I read Elizabeth Berg’s Talk Before Sleep. I’ve since read other things that she’s written, and have to say this is really her best. I mention it because of a line near the beginning of the book when the protagonist is describing her friend:
“ Ruth has friends like other people have wardrobes. I mean that there's someone for every occasion.”
And I remember thinking what a nice feeling that must be.
Well, it only took fifteen years, but I finally have a closetful of friends.
When I first moved to Nashville, the only friends I had here were the ones I inherited from my husband. And that was great, but it wasn’t enough.
I had fantasies where I’d be at a coffee shop and meet a nice group of ladies and they’d ask me to join their gang.
It never happened.
What did happen is that slowly, I started putting feelers out and making friends.
Rosie was first. Rosie and I share a common enemy, similar political beliefs and a love of Project Runway.
But for a long time, Rosie was it. And though I love her, she wasn't really enough. You can't have a wardrobe of a single evening gown...
And then, I started a new job. And for some reason, this job, and the people here spoke to me. Both literally and emotionally.
And I started making friends. Lots and lots of friends.
In fact, I learned that I’m kind of a social person. I still have anxiety, but the fact is – my social life in Nashville is booming. Last night, I went to a killer party at the Parthenon because a friend had an extra ticket. I had lunch with pals yesterday, there’s another lunch on tap for today. And then, next weekend, an Oktoberfest, and in November – I’m going to see Wicked. In December, Arlo Guthrie.
Having a life is kind of awesome.
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