I only started making true lasting friendships with other women in college and can count on one hand how many really close lifetime girlfriends I have now. But I do have many other friends here in PA who fill roles in my life that I treasure and appreciate along with my "lifers". So, here, in honest terms are the gals I need to keep me happy:
One who is older and one who is younger
to keep me feeling just right agewise
A Working Mom and a Stay at Home Mom
I stay home btw- so I obviously need a SAHM to hang out with during the week but I also need a working Mom friend to keep me grounded in the real world of work and remind me that somedays it is easier to stay home... while I remind her that some days it is easier to go to work
One who weighs more and one who weighs less
to keep my own weight fairly balanced
One who is a better Mommy than I am and one who makes me look like SuperMom
keeps my self-esteem balanced :)
An Old Friend
Someone who knows your history BEFORE hubbie and kids and can understand your moods- good and bad
A Mom with Older Kids
Go to for all of my parenting issues
A Mom with kids the Same Age
Go to for all of my parenting issues
A Soulmate Girlfriend
Very rare- can be new or old but the most treasured of all
All of these women together keep my life full and rich. Some friends fill multiple roles and in that I am lucky. Having moved around quite a bit in the past few years I know how hard it can be to make connections with other women and I encourage you to keep your eyes and heart open. I once met a friend at a park, we were both suffering from lack of sleep, bad hair and had our newborn babies outside WAY before most people would consider it acceptable. We chatted briefly, exchanged cell numbers and went our seperate ways. It was weeks before I got up the courage to call and try to set up a "playdate" of sorts and at least a month before we met again... but in her I found a soulmate friend and my life has been changed for the better.
Thanks Shelby for such a wonderful post. You are truly a great friend and mom. I am so happy that you did call, and that we got to live in the same state, if only for a little while. It is true friendship that stands the test of time and a completely different coast. I know this is true for us. You will continue to inspire me to be a better mom and person for many years to come. Thanks for all you do.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Shelby...it reminds me what a beautiful person you are. I'm sorry we've lost touch but I hope to catch up and keep caught up. As you said, it's so hard to find lifetime friends and I hope that even if we do lose touch, you will always consider me your friend. BTW...I'm here for you whenever you need to feel like SuperMom!
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