Friendship horseshoes bring good luck
But make sure you add a little flavor to the mix
A podcast on “Ted Lasso” quoted these two great tweets about friendships from author Glennon Doyle. Although they’re intended for women, people of all sexes can benefit (and you don’t need to know anything about Ted Lasso).
It’s been decades, but I still remember what a friend said when she eulogized a gregarious soul, loved by lots of us. “I knew he traveled in many circles,” she said. “I didn’t realize he was at the center of so many.”
Even before our black plague hit, it was hard for adults to make friends. Meeting through work or career-related events is fine, but a lot of times all you end up talking about is, well, work. Your horseshoe might be fit for a pony.
As another challenging year wraps up, ask yourself two questions:
Did you make any new friends this year?
Did you help any friends make new friends?
People who are good networkers do this all the time — professionally, at least. Good networkers find themselves better jobs and mentors; great networkers are always looking for ways to help their friends and respected colleagues, too. Because if you lift them, you lift yourself — spiritually, at least.
Great networkers are matchmakers. Are you?
We’re not talking about helping your friends find The Perfect Soul Mate (which usually ends up as “When Oy Met Vey”), but just nudging loved ones into good platonic relationships if the opportunity arises. Even before the virus, loneliness was hitting people at epidemic levels. Spoiler alert: It hasn’t gotten better.
You don’t have to be a gregarious soul, either. In an episode of Brené Brown’s “Unlocking Us” podcast, Jason Sudekis brought up a great quote from a documentary on Quincy Jones. “He talks about when you’re making something that you want to get it like 75% of the way there and leave room for the magic.”
Both men were talking about creativity, not friendships or matchmaking, but the same principle applies. A nudge from you — inviting both to the same (relatively small) Zoom gathering or party, suggesting they carpool together, even simply telling both of them that you think they’d like each other — could make room for the magic, if any exists.
In the words of some dinosaur movie, “Life finds a way.” Just give it a chance. Or maybe a horseshoe.
Murphy Slaw
Something old: This thread is great for those who love historical quirks.
Something new: Life finds a way …
Something borrowed: If you don’t know how to use an EpiPen, this might be a life-saving lesson.
Something blue: Watch how everyone helps the woman in blue.
Fun one, Dave. I hadn't heard the horseshoe theory but it makes perfect sense. Less likely to have exclusive cliques that way. Cute video of the proposal too. Hope you are recuperating well and that you and the Mrs. have terrific holidays.