After I became an empty nester, I found hooking up with a friend or a group of women every now and then provides me with a sense of calm. There’s something about girl time that’s refreshing. I need it. A lot. Female camaraderie. A sisterhood to be a part of. Someone who will listen to me, and I to her (or them; why stop with one?). Conversely, not having girl time makes me cranky and blue, and Hubby doesn’t want that.
Before we moved to Rapid City, I had lunch at least once a week with a friend. Sometimes I would pick up lunch and take it to her house where we talked for a couple of hours. Sometimes we went out to eat. Sometimes we met other friends. Once a month, I met another friend for coffee on Saturday mornings. We’d talk and talk about all kinds of things. By the time we went home, we felt like we’d solved all our troubles and were happier. Leaving that behind was really hard. We still text and call each other, but that lacks the face-to-face connection. I still miss it four years later. The social part of me needs connections.
Here, I meet a friend for lunch at Culver’s often, and it’s been wonderful. We usually spent a couple of hours talking and listening even though our food is gone and our table bussed before we leave. No one has told us to leave yet so we’ll keep on meeting there and enjoying the girl time.
Once I met a group of writers for coffee, and that was so fun, encouraging, and inspiring. I went home feeling ready to put something on that blank page. But once wasn’t enough. I want more of that. Two of the writers were new to me, and I wish I’d asked for their information so I could organize another meeting. Life gets in our ways sometimes, and it’s hard to make connections that work for everyone.
My sisterhoods have supported me through deaths, illnesses, joys, and all of life’s issues that come with aging. Some of us are the same age and have faced the same or similar problems. I treasure their wisdom they gained in how they overcame it. The moral support we give each other is invaluable.
Every woman needs a sisterhood to belong to. A place where she can unload problems and get help in solving them. A place where she can help others with her experiences. A place of support and understanding. If a woman asks if we should meet for lunch, you better believe I’m jumping at the opportunity and saying yes. Even meeting for coffee (I drink tea) is great, especially if they have comfortable chairs and sofas to sit in.
Ladies, go find a sisterhood. Or better yet, start your own. It’s the cheapest form of therapy you can find. Lunch or coffee are way cheaper.