“There is nothing I would not do for those who are really my friends. I have no notion of loving people by halves, it is not my nature.” ~ Jane Austen, Northanger Abbey
I was talking to a friend on the phone yesterday. She’s like so many of my friends right now. Exhausted. Overwhelmed. A busy working mum. And on top of that all the usual life dramas.
We were nearly at the end of our conversation and I heard it.
The catch in her breath.
The sound of silent tears falling.
It came out of me in a rush. ‘Let’s meet for coffee tomorrow,’ I said impulsively. ‘Sounds like you could really use a friend right now.’
Talking on the phone is a marvelous way to stay connected. So is email, or texting.
But nothing beats a good old-fashioned catch up. With hugs. With eye contact. With the chance to truly connect face to face. Things can get said, heard, supported and sorted face-to-face in a way that they never can via distance.
Meeting for a cup of coffee (or a walk round the park, or a glass of wine, or a green smoothie or whatever else is your thing) is a vital part of not just maintaining a friendship, but of maintaining our lives and emotional well-being.
If you’re feeling strong and in a good place right now, maybe you could reach out to someone you know is struggling a little and offer to meet them for coffee.
If you’re the one feeling lonely, isolated and like you’re drowning rather than swimming (even if you’re doing it with a stoic smile on your face as many of us do!) why don’t you ask to meet a friend for coffee.
Let’s make an effort and get together.
Because when we do, the love and care that flows has an amazing power to help and heal. And we all benefit from that magic.
Thinking of you today and sending so much love, Nicole xx
