Conversations

This past weekend, on several separate occasions, I had the good fortune to meet up with many friends, to share a meal, a beverage, time. I appreciate so much these opportunities to be with people. Yep, even as an introvert I can say that. I made the joke a couple of times recently that living at home alone with cats I’ve become half feral (Feryl?) Truly, the ability to navigate relationships and communicate well are not innate, at least not for me. These opportunities to listen, talk, ask and answer questions, kvetch, express gratitude, help keep me sane and fit for public consumption. And that’s definitely a work in progress…

One chat revolved around how our modern lives have evolved so far away from our communal living in caves or in say a Scottish clan. Instead of having social fabric to help with all the things of day-to-day life within our living space (childcare, cooking, cleaning, hunting, medical treatment) by specialists within the group, in our modern homes we wear all the hats. I feel that when I come home to a pile of mail, laundry, housekeeping that’s not getting done, yardwork that’s not getting done, meal prep, cat care, etc. and I wear none of the hats well. Okay, that’s not true. The cookie-baking hat I wear with panache. I don’t mean to kvetch too much. I know how lucky I am, but I can be honest and say it’s all a lot and I’m overwhelmed sometimes having a full time job and the list of things above. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by *waves hands* allllll the things, just know you’re not alone.

Other conversations centered on exercise, mental health, touch, time, gratitude, pride, shame, and the foibles of human nature–all good stuff. I appreciate the chance to get out of the overwhelmed head space into places of conviviality and connection. And I am so grateful for people who like me enough to spend time with me and help sand off some of the rougher edges.