Exploring one of life's most valuable gifts
I went out to dinner with three friends last Thursday evening at a nice suburban restaurant that I’ve been to many times before. The food and ambience are always lovely there. My friends and I had been planning and looking forward to this chance to get out and catch up for weeks. We’ve known each... Continue Reading →
When I turned 30, I felt like I had reached a huge milestone and I began reflecting and evaluating where I was in life personally and professionally. I was two years out of business school and enjoying my work in Chicago at the Quaker Oats Co. Professionally, I was in a good place. On the... Continue Reading →
In the depths of winter when it's cold and dark, I sometimes find it hard to motivate myself to go out and spend time with friends. If I'm being honest, even if a potential activity is something I love to do with someone, I often feel like just staying home in my sweatpants and watching... Continue Reading →
About two years ago, this blog featuring stories of friendship was born amidst a time of loss and isolation. In early 2021, vaccines were slowly being rolled out, but the many pandemic-related losses were still raw. Our children missed important milestones at school and our work lives were disrupted by the uncertainty and financial impact... Continue Reading →
With gift-giving top of mind this time of year, the pressure to find the perfect gift for a friend, family member or colleague can be overwhelming. Last year around this time, Sara suggested some inspired gift ideas. One idea from that list I'd like to revisit is giving to a charitable cause. Research clearly shows... Continue Reading →
As we look toward the holidays, our focus often shifts to reconnecting with longtime friends and family. This holiday season, I challenge you to also remember to focus on the day-to-day connections that sometimes get overlooked or underappreciated, but can really make a difference in your own life or to someone else’s. What do I... Continue Reading →
This week happened to be birthday season here at the Language of Friendship. All three of us on the editorial team had a birthday this past week! Even my dog Winnie turned 6 this week. Some people don’t like making a big deal about birthdays. After all, everyone has them, and they happen every year.... Continue Reading →
I had been living in Glenview, IL, for more than a decade when I began noticing a group of about 6-8 men, likely retirees, gathering together outside my local Starbucks every morning. Even during the pandemic, when almost all group activities had either ground to a halt or shifted to zoom, these guys were sitting... Continue Reading →
You don't have be a big fan of Seinfeld to get a kick out of the show's perspective on American life in NYC, even--or especially--if you disagree with it. One of the most memorable Seinfeld episodes for me aired during the seventh season, when George was engaged to Susan. In the episode, Elaine realizes she... Continue Reading →
I recently had the opportunity to attend an event with Supreme Court Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor as the featured speaker. The crowd was largely made up of distinguished lawyers, businesspeople, and university officials. But the Justice wasn’t interested in speaking to just them. Her focus was on the small group of students in the audience.... Continue Reading →
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