No…Because I Have a ‘Friendship’ Appointment
The hours I spend at appointments…the doctors, the dentist, the therapist (Yo, Dr. White!), the periodontist (Dr. Rosenberg, would you mind subscribing to the tabloids so I can get up to speed on Tori Spelling’s new miracle baby?), the airport, etcetera and so forth, and yet…I find it unnervingly difficult to book an appointment with a friend.
Such a colossal loss. I love spending time with my friends but we’re all so busy (or so we say).
Last Saturday I had a ‘friendship’ appointment with my dear friend (let’s call her Dazzle) for she is dazzling. I was having so much fun I kept repeating “is today my birthday?” and thank goodness it wasn’t because then I would probably eat an entire Carvel ice cream cake. We walked and talked and dished and dawdled and didn’t do much but when you’re with someone you adore, not doing much is enough.
Frankly, I think my/our priorities are a little screwed up. My dance card is seemingly full with appointments but a conspiring lunch with a friend? As rare as spotting an Osprey. And don’t think I haven’t asked a friend to conspire over a kale salad. I have but everyone says “let me get back to you” and most of the time they don’t get back to me and it’s a darn shame (note to myself: The use of darn is adorable. Please use it more frequently). Why don’t we value friendship as much as we value our 45 minutes on the elliptical (calories burned: 332)?
To put it bluntly, I enjoy character analysis with men and women who are ‘connoisseurs of human folly’ (hat tip: Jane Austen). I can always use advice, strategy, support, style tips, and the name of a good plastic surgeon should I decide to go down that slippery slope. I am happiest when I’m sitting across from someone whose neurons are crossing the synapse. I love how a true friend can make me feel so good about myself.
So don’t be offended when I say no to your gracious invitation to sort donations (i.e. schmattas) for your charity’s flea market. I might have a ‘friendship’ appointment that day and I’m certainly not cancelling that.