The single hardest thing about leaving the work force and staying home, for me at least, has been the significant drop in adult interaction in my life since last June. And by significant drop I mean Dan is sometimes the only adult I see in an entire week, except dropping Joshua off at school.
No more idle chit chat over lunch about what was on TV last night, or politics, or the news, or being invited to go grab a drink after work even if there was a strong chance that I’d have to decline because, hi, two kids and one of them’s still on the boob.
Now I spend an inordinate amount of time talking about Wonder Pets, Angry Birds, Captain America and Mario Kart and what, exactly, Joshua would do if he encountered a special flower that let him throw fire balls and can I please look at Emma and make her say “brother” right now this very second and can I also get some more milk and a cereal bar and also sister is looking at me the world is ending because she is looking at me.
So I go to Twitter and say “OMG MY KID WON’T STOP TALKING AND I JUST NEED TO PEE.” And sometimes I get a few responses of “hang in there” but frequently I get nothing and then I’m all “oh, okay, so I’ll just stop my whining and keep on talking to myself inside my own head. Carry on then.”
I mean, I’m incredibly grateful for the many, many people who talk to me daily, like Alena, and Isha, and the women who also defected from a popular message board for women with babies on the brain.
But even if I do get to talk about those above things with people who live in my computer, it’s not always the same as a flesh-and-blood person sitting across from me having a conversation that makes my ears have to work to hear more than just the click click click click of my fingers on a keyboard.
Basically, my adult friends are Dan and two or three people who live here in the real three-dimensional world with me. And that’s it. And our lives are such that getting together regularly is really difficult. We’re all spread out, or they work during the day, or our kids have conflicting schedules.
I watch Joshua on the playground, and when he’s not growling at strange kids he’s got a gaggle of preschoolers following after him, playing chase, climbing structures, and asking to be his friend. (Yes. Growling. We’re working on it)
Imagine the shock on another mom’s face if, at the playground, the mall, wherever, I just walk up and say “Hi. I’m Miranda. Would you like to be my friend? Awesome. Now let’s go braid each other’s hair and gossip.”
If it were that easy, I wouldn’t be writing this. But it’s not that easy and so I am. Basically, I feel like I don’t know how to make friends.
Making friends used to come so easily to me. I used to be the girl who never met a stranger. And while I’ll talk to anyone about just about anything, I find that it’s increasingly harder to develop real friendships as I get older.
I know there are a few mom’s groups in the area because I’ve sniffed them out on the internet, but I’m scared to try them because what if they find out about this blog and read this and think I’m some kind of neurotic freak? What if they don’t like me? What if I don’t like them?
What if I’m too fat? Or too loud? Or too control-freakish? What if I try to compensate for some of those things and I become some sort of shy introvert?
What if I’m being judged for my choice of whatever choice it is that I’ve made??
I feel like my tolerance for bullshit has lowered considerably as I’ve gotten older. Either that or I’ve gotten more efficient at weeding out those relationships that I know will not put into my life what they’re taking out of it. Or both.
What I want in a friend is someone who doesn’t think twice about the fact that I maybe haven’t showered in 2 days, perhaps have hair that hasn’t been washed in 4, and who doesn’t stop to wonder just what, exactly, the mystery stain on my faded yoga pants might actually be. (Peanut butter, cheese, or drool. Probably even bits of graham cracker, if you’re wondering. None of which came from me. Thanks, Emma.) (Also, hi J. I just described you. ::smooches::.)
If you meet the above criteria, applications are now being accepted.
Judgy Judgers need not apply. I won’t let you take my soul.
Annie
Thursday 31st of January 2013
I could have written this post - but tons of women in my church read my blog and I really don't want to offend them. The thing is - I see women at church, but there isn't any socializing afterwards. I never hang out with any of the 3 moms (small church) my age that go there.
I have a daughter in ballet - and I speak to this one mom every week. But I am so nervous about "asking her out." LOL!! Like, do I invite her over? I don't know how this works. I suck at making friends too.
Miranda
Monday 4th of February 2013
I understand not wanting to offend people, and I actually hope I haven't offended any real-life mom friends who've read this. :/
I don't know how this is supposed to work either! To invite a mom over for coffee, I'd have to wash the coffee cups piled up in the sink first! LOL
Andrea
Thursday 31st of January 2013
Sometimes it can be so lonely & so hard to try to meet other moms & actually form real friendships with them. So glad that I am not the only one who feels this way.
I also feel like a lot of moms around here don't even seem like they want to connect or get any closer than being acquaintances & I am not sure why that is. When we go to the library or an open gym & no one even bothers to say hi or interact in any way, it sucks, it's disappointing, & it can be really frustrating. But I ended up starting a moms group in my area while I was going through PPA/PPOCD & it was a huge help for me! I have made three very close friends through it & one I consider a best friend now. As scary as it can be, you never know what can happen if you put yourself out there right?!
And I wish it were that easy to just go up to another mom, introduce yourself, & become instant friends. That would be awesome :)
Miranda
Monday 4th of February 2013
That's what I've experienced, too. That moms have their groups and they're not really looking for new members to that group but they like to say "oh, hi! we're so open to new people!" Except not really. As acquaintances, yes, but not as FRIENDS.
But maybe adulthood is marked by making acquaintances and not friends. Maybe that should just be my philosophy.
Marla
Wednesday 30th of January 2013
The Internet rabbit hole brought me to your Twitter and from there to your blog, which I really like. And I totally could identify with this post so so so much. I wrote about something similar, sort of, wrapped up in a book review and a lot of rambling, last year here: http://aplacetowritethings.blogspot.com/2012/03/semi-kinda-sorta-book-review-mwf-seeks.html
Hi, I'm Marla, and I like your blog. :) *waves*
Miranda
Monday 4th of February 2013
I love the internet rabbit hole. It's so good at bringing good (and also freaking weird) things into our lives.
Hi, Marla!
Isha
Wednesday 30th of January 2013
I so wish we lived closer, because we would have so much fun all the time. I felt at ease with you instantly. You have that effect on people!!
If I could give you one non-givable gift, it would be the gift of the very same confidence you instill in me. Time and time again, you inspire me to BE and DO my best. In every single facet of my life. As a wife, as a mother, as a teacher, and as a human being. Anyone who judges you isn't worth your time. But I think, honestly think, if you put yourself out there, you would find a lot more GOOD people than worthless ones. Truly.
You are who you are. Who you are is beautiful. "Be who you are and say what you feel because those who matter don't mind and those who mind don't matter." Right? I know it's hard. But I also know you can do it.
<3
Miranda
Monday 4th of February 2013
I mean, it COULD have been the beer putting you at ease and not me. ;)
And yes, you're right. There are more good people out there than bad. I know. I just wish they'd all wear signs around their necks so I'd know who to look at first.
Charity
Wednesday 30th of January 2013
I so relate. I've been home since the end of October and it is gut wrenching to have just my computer and phone to interact with. I have a couple irl friends but they are busy and we've been sick since Christmas, so... All that to say it is PAINFUL.
Miranda
Monday 4th of February 2013
It IS painful. Because as much as I love this online world I have, I have to live in the real, three-dimensional world more.