Member-only story
Friends Aren’t Optional
A few weeks ago one of my best friends came to visit me from out of town. We caroused for three days, stayed up late, enjoyed each other’s company and a weekend diversion from our normal lives.
On Sunday morning I dropped him off at the airport and went back to my apartment and got in bed, tears in my eyes. I missed him already. And not just him. I missed having a friend like that where I live.
I’ve been in this city for over a decade. I’ve made friends, good ones, too, people who I feel extremely fortunate to have met. But we’re older now. Many have families, and the time constraints that imposes. Many have moved away, all over the country.
I did not grow up here, did not go to college here, nor did I have any formative experiences with anyone here. The closest friends I do have are ones I made from my previous job.
Now I work from home for an organization based in another state. The opportunities to meet new people are slim. And the time it takes to develop and cultivate friendships is often difficult to find.
Too many nights, too many mornings, too many lazy afternoons have I found ways, good ways, to occupy myself. Reading, writing, exercising, going to the movies. But I need more. For so many reasons.
