Who Is Your Newest Friend?
Do you still make friends as an adult?
I am guilty of using ‘friend’ loosely. But I do think there is a lot of friendship space between ‘associates’ and a ‘ride or die friend’.
Some people DO NOT like referring to someone as a friend unless they are a ‘ride or die’.
That’s not me.
If I have your number, you have mine, and we check in from time to time, I will call you a friend. You are not just an associate. Who started that anyway?
An ‘acquaintance’ sounds too pinky in the air for me. I want a softer term, a sweeter term.
Even if we are not friends, I still will see you online, at a restaurant, or wherever and be able to say: Oh yes we’re _________.
I decided to ask ChatGPT
Tell me why do I love ‘familiar stranger’. It’s hilarious!
I don’t even know if any of this is making sense. What I really want to know is, do you still believe in making new friends as an adult?
I do!
I have incredible friendships with people who were neighbors.
I have a very dear friend I met at a focus group and another beautiful soul I met at a baby shower (the baby shower was for a friend I met at the trash drop-off | I think that baby is 11 now).
I once took a road trip in my forties with someone I had never met in life and now we call each other kindred because we are that close!
I have stopped a mature woman who I thought was super cool looking and told her: “I have seen you in the neighborhood and I wanna know you.” I literally stopped - I was driving and saw her walking.
My then boyfriend and I became friends with her and her husband. They were older and we had some great times, meals, and drinks with them.
See!?! Memories made.
There are people who say: “I don’t need any new friends”! I think they are missing out on some major joy in life.
When is the last time you met someone and they became your friend?
Please share your friendship stories in the comments.
side-note: reach out to your friend that’s been on your mind.
THAT’S IT Y’ALL - see ya here next Sunday at 3:33p CT
I’m always open to dialogue and feedback.
You can message me on Instagram @SallyMcMullin
Hugs & LOVE Y’all,
Sally Mc
Sorry to reply to a message one week later, but I have been thinking about friendship, especially since I read this post. I feel that I have many friends, but have had difficulty defining what constitutes a friend. Additional questions: Can you ever be a friend with a former romantic partner? What would be the terms of engagement? From your post; what was it about the woman's appearance that was "super cool looking"? Can you define it for yourself? Are there some general rules about approaching strangers based on their appearance (other than trying not to be mistaken for a pervert)?
I have a million thoughts, ideas and questions on this issue, and just wondered (without getting on Instagram) what your readers thought. Thanks.
I have a really hard time making friends. My family seems to take up all the extra energy I have. I wish this weren't the case but I don't know what to do about it. I got put on this crazy jury duty situation (one week each month for at least 18 months, possibly 24 months) and I have meet some really cool people. I have gotten to know them pretty well due to the amount of time we spend together. But I just can't see it going any further, they seem just as busy and tired as I am. One thing I do know is I wish my path would cross with yours Sally, I think you would make a great friend!