When you are first starting out in business, you are so busy "making it" that all you can think about is networking, contacts, getting new clients, servicing the ones you have and making your business more unique and desirable. As you get older, you begin to value the friendships you've had for a long time and the new ones you are creating.
This past Sunday I went to the Miami City Ballet and it was wonderful. I was given a ticket by a woman from my gym whose friend couldn't go. It was terrific and we are starting a great friendship that I hope will last for many years. Then I proceeded to head to Palm Beach for my friends 40th anniversary party. We went to college together over 50 years ago and are still friends. Another classmate also was there who moved to this area as well.
Yesterday I spoke to my girlfriend who is in Naples for a few months and she and I actually go back to kindergarten. I stayed at her home in Albany, NY when we had our 50th reunion. Another friend and her husband had dinner with me two weeks ago. I've known her since the 9th grade. My old dancing partner and I (from the 10th grade on) connected again and are now talking every month.
I just think it's terrific when you can stay friends this long and enjoy each others company. You pick up the conversation where you left off, don't question anything, and just enjoy knowing each other. So if there's someone you've been meaning to contact and haven't, get off your duff and do it. You'll both be glad you did.
Gayle,
I love this post. All you say is so true. Long term friendships are the stars of the journey. They come from business, networking and social networking. It's really great when family falls into these great categories,too. I am happy to say, my list is growing, but then, it's about time...I'm over 70, too. Maybe someone reading this can speed up the process. Fondly, Clare Spiegel
Posted by: Clare Spiegel | August 01, 2010 at 09:40 PM