Friends and Acquaintances

 I have a LOT of acquaintances. My LinkedIn has many people who I have worked with and connected with during various speaking engagements or meetings. But none of them I would consider "friends". Facebook, Twitter, and any of the other social media platforms all have either school, work, or local acquaintances. I have never really placed an importance on the friend-relationship vibe. 

Don't get me wrong, I have had friends in the past in school, or work, but maintaining those relationships apart doesn't have the same effect as when you are interacting with them directly. They drift back into the acquaintance group after a little bit of time.

My best friend is my wife. She will listen to me, will advise me, and will hold my hand if I am ill or feeling like I am having a down day. I rely upon her.

The problem is... I think I have finally reached a point I need more friends. I am finally slowing down enough that I could use other's viewpoints, opinions, and advice. I will still consider my wife's advice the top priority, but there are some things I am just not willing to talk to my wife about because I know her perspective. 

So how does a person make friends in today's society? I don't really want someone at work as some of my talking points are because of work. I don't really want someone a distance away as I know getting together after the pandemic would be more of a hassle. I need to make a friend locally. I want to be able to go out for drinks, or just sit with them to talk about anything from quantum computing to urban design to the weather. I just could use a friend outside my household.

So what happens when you Google "I need a friend"? Coldplay. Google is off the mark on this one. So here is my plan when I can safely rejoin society... I am going to find myself a "joint" that matches my personality and repeatedly go there. When I lived in Bloomington, my morning ritual was to go to McDonald's and meet with my morning group of people. Even though I considered them acquaintances then, and still do...I felt it was a good way to build possible friendships. Or maybe, I will take a class at the art center...or volunteer for community involvement activities. Either way, I plan to put myself out there now that we have stayed in the same place for 6 years.

Good talk. Bye!

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