I met Kathy years ago when our boys were in Kindergarten. She was always smiling, waving, and walking around in 4-inch heels.
I tried to avoid her because she was always asking when our boys could have a playdate. I’d say, “Let me check our schedule,” and pray I wouldn’t run into her until the next week. I didn’t know her. Did she have guns in the house or a weird uncle in the back room? I didn’t want any part of it.
So I made up this rule for my son — he had to be in three activities with a kid before we could even consider a playdate. Eventually, the boys were together in school, peewee football, and then baseball. I ran out of excuses. That’s how Kathy and I became friends.
It’s hard for me to make friends at this age. Who has the time to really get to know a person and get past the differences?
Kathy and I are opposites in many ways — our personalities (she’s extroverted); our parenting styles (she’s loosey goosey); our homes (she’s neat); and of course, her ability to walk in 4 inch heels…
But, I found we are alike in ways important to me. She is fiercely committed to her family and loyal to her friends.
Despite Kathy’s full-time teaching schedule and three kids (all with after-school activities), she always makes time for coffee dates. She has great timing, too. Just when I start to feel too blue, I get a text saying, “Coffee this week?”
We meet during her lunch period at a Starbucks near her school. We tell stories, laugh, and then back to work. It’s truly amazing what a quick coffee break with a friend can do.
So your assignment today is to make a coffee date with a friend. Extra credit for giving someone a chance to be your friend. 🙂
I love coffee dates with girlfriends! I try to make time for them at least twice a month. Clears the head, gives perspective…so therapeutic!
Pencil me in for May. I need time to practice my parallel parking 🙂
Great way to be rejuvenated.
Zadine, we need to find a halfway point to meet. Miss you!
Cora, I truly agree.