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The Cobh's avatar

The last words in your disclaimer, “making new friends up and down the age ladder,” are what I love in my life. I won’t accuse you of burying the lede (old newsy here 📰), but having friends of all ages is joyful and enlightening. Mine range in age from 14 to 84, and I learn so much from all of them—history from the latter, current slang and music from the former. Always searching for new music and was happy to learn last week that a friend in his 20s loves James Taylor! We’re seeing him in concert soon. But don’t worry. I won’t borrow my friend’s slang. That would be cringe.

Melinda Blau's avatar

Old newsy, I appreciate the input and the read! Love James Taylor, too. Where is he doing a concert

The Cobh's avatar

Wolf Trap!

The Cobh's avatar

Yeah, only 13 miles from me, but it’ll take an hour to get there at rush hour.

Ande Lyons's avatar

Melinda - I love how you tell a good story and always bring your readers on the best of journeys - thank you! Your insights are so helpful, and I would add that some friendships have a season or chapter in our lives - they are the perfect friendship fit for that stage, and while they may not continue forever, they have a special place in our hearts because of their contribution to our lives.

I especially loved this from your stack:

We need a variety of relationships from near-stranger to soulmate. Each person in your life becomes a mirror and a sounding board. Each one gives you new ideas and/or helps you see a fresh approach. We share and have fun; we get to dig our heels in together. Mostly, we need others to make the magic happen—the spell that’s cast when two people truly connect. At any age.

Melinda Blau's avatar

Ande, you are wonderful and generous. It makes me happy to know that my words give sustenance to others.

Sacha Cohen's avatar

I love this post Melinda! I absolutely believe that you can never have too many friends. And I’ve met some of my closest friends in very unexpected ways.

Melinda Blau's avatar

Sacha, I could write (and might) a while post on my Paris connections. Maybe I already did!😉

Gregg Hartnett's avatar

I’m particularly grateful you didn’t quit making friends 💓

Melinda Blau's avatar

As am I, my late life friend! I would’ve missed so many good people, including you

Karen Salmansohn's avatar

You are a wonderful friend-maker... and I love having you in my life.. and now in 3D life - here in NYC as a neighbor! Thanks for the thoughtful shout out about my word you-ier - and my philosophy around it! (you-ier.com)