At 50 years old and after nearly three decades of marriage, I find myself re-entering the social scene. Rather than romantic pursuits, I am on a quest for a BFF, or Best Friend Forever. My lifelong friends, who I’ve cherished since childhood, reside far away in the Northeast—from Maryland to Rhode Island. These incredible women have supported me through everything from awkward teenage years to adult challenges. They have shared countless memories with me, from late-night escapades to emotional heart-to-hearts. If geography weren’t a barrier, I’m certain we would still meet regularly for drinks and laughter.
As a stay-at-home mom and homeschooler, my local friendships have dwindled over the past 18 years, now reaching a new low. The carefree days of playdates and mommy groups are long gone, and with my recent decision to enroll my child in public school, I find myself out of touch with many of my former homeschooling peers. To complicate matters, I’m transitioning back to freelance writing, leaving me without the built-in connections of a traditional workplace. Faced with social isolation, I’m ready to play “The Friendship Game.”
Phase 1: Entering the Scene
To kick things off, I joined a few local clubs to ease into the process of making new friends. As an introvert, this step was daunting. I felt like I needed a floatation device to stay afloat in these social waters. Nevertheless, I pushed myself to engage and step out of my comfort zone.
Phase 2: Building Excitement
With two active teenagers, our family calendar is color-coded to keep track of everyone’s schedules. Ironically, my color code is blue, indicating a rather lonely social life. After noticing that my calendar held only a solitary blue entry for my dentist appointment, I decided it was time to take action. I boldly added “Mom’s Night Out” in big, blue letters. This simple act filled me with glee.
Phase 3: Preparing for the Event
The night of my first social outing, a Bunco game, arrived. I found myself in a classic “what to wear” dilemma. I wanted to present myself as approachable and engaging. My closet revealed three categories of clothing: professional attire from my early career, casual wear, and clothes suited for church. Lacking anything trendy, I mixed and matched some timeless pieces from my casual collection and headed out the door.
Phase 4: Attending the Event
Upon arriving at Bunco, I quickly surveyed the crowd. Thankfully, no one appeared threatening, which eased my nerves. As the evening unfolded, I met several women who, like me, were eager to escape their homes and enjoy some fun. We shared stories of life’s ups and downs while maintaining a lighthearted atmosphere. By the end of the night, a few participants didn’t make the cut, but I did manage to exchange contact information with two potential new friends, setting the stage for future connections.
In conclusion, navigating the journey of friendship as an adult can be just as challenging as dating. It requires effort, an open heart, and a willingness to step outside of comfort zones. For those interested in further exploring the topic of home insemination, resources like Make a Mom and CryoBaby provide valuable information. Additionally, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development offers excellent insights into pregnancy and related topics.
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