Friendships

Have you noticed that sometimes, when we are talking to a friend or family member, they suddenly get defensive? In such situations, we often wonder what we might have said to offend them…

A crazy, somewhat sad thing began to happen as my friends reached their post-parenting, pre-retirement years. Many began to build or buy second homes in fun locations with the idea that they’d retire in a destination where adult children and grandchildren would love to visit…

Some years ago, when my mother flew alone across Canada to visit with me, I was desperate to find a way to rekindle our former deep emotional connection. Since she had remarried several years earlier, I felt that I had lost some of our precious bond…

Never have I ever experienced a time where world events trickled down to touch down on such a granular level as our personal relationships. You hear people every day expressing sadness and frustration at the chasm between them and those for whom they care deeply…

If the infamous ‘man from Mars’ were to suddenly arrive on this earth, what would he think that people were all about? From scanning traditional media, not to mention social media, I would surmise that he would see a search for wealth…

One morning back when I was in my mid-50s, I realized two things… the first was that I had no good female friends. I mean, I had acquaintances. People who would be happy to jump in and help if I needed it. But no one I could call and chat with about my feelings…

It begins with a small request: an address, an article, a product lost in the vastness of the Internet. You find it, send it, and think nothing more of it. Days later, she asks for the same thing again. A playful memory-jog of your earlier reply is met with surprise, perhaps a dismissive…

The years over 60 can be a pretty amazing time of life. Sure, your skin might not be as taught, there may be a few more creaky joints, and pulling all-nighters for any reason is firmly in the rear view. But you’ve replaced what you’ve given up in collagen and flexibility…

Some friendships are meant to last a lifetime. Others arrive for a reason or a season. But after 60, we often find ourselves longing for deeper connections and friendships that truly spark joy – the kind that feel nourishing, energizing, and reciprocal…

It’s time we said this out loud: living alone does not mean living lonely. In fact, for many of us, this chapter of life is about rediscovering our voice, reclaiming our space, and building connections on our own terms – no apologies, no explanations…