Non-Traditional Friends
How do we feel about non-traditional friends? I have had a couple seasons in my life when I was friends with women 30 or more years older than I. These were incredibly rich and fulfilling relationships for me. I wonder if they feel the same. When I talk to young people today, there are often times when I cringe. Did older women cringe when I said things? Probably, but they had the grace to let it pass and the diplomacy to talk to me about myself in a way that didn’t make me feel shame or criticized. How do I channel that when I speak to younger people myself.
Some people I consider my friends are completely one-sided. There are podcasters and authors who have helped me through difficult times, and in my head, I refer to them as friends even though they we have never met. Also, people who are incredibly helpful and nice to me are considered friends in my head. Example: my landlords who put in a cat door for me with no charge at all and let me move in early without any fee. Just the sweetest people ever. Do we hang out? No. But they will always be friends in my head. My hairstylist who always works me in her crazy busy schedule and puts up with me constantly rescheduling and gives me sage advice and makes me laugh? Such a friend, but we never hang out or talk aside from hair appointments. I love to collect these complete jewels of humans who restore my faith in humanity.
I am always on the lookout on how to appreciate these special people. Are gifts weird? Just authentic thank you’s? How can I customize my appreciation of these individuals to their tastes and preferences? For my hairstylist, I tip generously and give her even more during the holiday season. Perhaps I should bake my landlords some treats with a card or find another way to show my gratitude. For podcasters, I try to go to their live shows when they are in town and pay $5 a month for their bonus content.
Podcast Friends
https://wineandcrimepodcast.com/
These are dear friends that I met at a Conference one year, and we stayed in touch. We live very different lives but love each other and support each other. They see me so clearly and say the most encouraging things.