I Think I’ll Stay Here With Rita

Before the pandemic forced many of us into isolation, loneliness was already a huge problem in the United States. But amid social distancing and quarantine, people have rekindled friendships and grown closer to neighbors. As humans, we are wired for connection. When my youngest was three, he accompanied me to an appointment. In the time than it took me to sign in, he had climbed on a sofa to sit right next to the only other person in the waiting room. When I asked him to come sit with me, he announced “I think I’ll stay here with Rita.” You see, down South, we don’t need permission to talk and no friendship is an accident. We are social creatures, and we share everything.

There’s no friendship like a Southern friendship. We’ve learned from classic movies, Southern friends, whether it be our neighbors, co-workers, or sassy sisters help us grow and make us laugh until we have sweet tea squirting out of our noses. Friendship is the most powerful thing in the world, and maintaining close relationships is the most important work we do in our lives.

Friends are chosen family; they cheer us on through discouraging seasons, celebrate with us on joyous occasions, and lift our head and heart like no one else can. And don’t discount casual acquaintances. Making small talk while waiting in line at the grocery store or chatting up the person sitting next to you at the doctor’s office can plant the seeds of a friendship. Even just exchanging pleasantries with the folks around you can make other people happy.

Women effortlessly share intimate feelings with our friends which is in great contrast to men. My husband could spend five hours playing golf with one man who has problems at work, another’s whose son is getting married and a third who has health problems, and none of those issues will come up. Two female strangers in a public restroom would share more personal information in five minutes than guys talk about in a week. For a woman, nothing is left unspoken. A good friend will help you hide a body; a best friend will drive you off a cliff. So, if you haven’t found your Louise yet, give me a call. I can always use one more friend. 

Thelma: Let’s keep going.

Louise: You sure?

Thelma: Yeah.