I met with a friend today - someone I hadn’t spoken with since Covid started six months ago - and our conversation immediately soothed:
“How have you been?”
“Ah, a bit rough over the last couple of weeks.”
Just saying it aloud helped. Then,
“How’s your family?”
“My dad’s pretty ill; that’s weighing on me.”
“Sorry to hear that. I know how you feel, my dad is sick, too.”
It turns out my struggles aren’t unique; my friend wants to commiserate, make jokes, lift our spirits.
Everything I needed, right there in the sun, six feet apart.
Why didn’t I call him last week? I was too busy wallowing in my apartment.
So, I’m writing this as a note to both of us–– myself and you:
Call your friends. Don’t wait until you’re feeling better; give your friends the pleasure of helping you.
They’ll love that you called and you will too.