The mood of the world feels heavy this year as Thanksgiving approaches, with wars raging abroad and divisive protests happening at home. The holiday itself may even feel controversial these days, as we consider more deeply the plight of Native Americans who populated U.S. lands before we were born. With these thoughts swirling through my... Continue Reading →
Birthday Wishes
While November signals the start of the holiday season for most people, here at Language of Friendship, we tend to think of November as birthday season. Sara shared last year that our LOF editorial team, and even her dog Winnie, all have birthdays within the same week! And despite how busy life gets, birthdays provide... Continue Reading →
Hiring Friends
My husband and I embarked on a home improvement project a few years ago that was big enough to require the services of an architect. We began by collecting some recommendations from local friends who had been through projects of their own. One name that made its way to the top of our list was... Continue Reading →
Friendship Hacks
When Sara and I launched this blog in early 2021, pandemic-disrupted friendships and everyday connections fueled our desire to write about the importance of friendship. Nearly three years later, life has mostly returned to ‘normal.’  While normal enables us to gather in person and hop on airplanes to celebrate milestones, normal can also be very... Continue Reading →
Five Things to Share with Friends This Fall
As beautiful as fall is in New England, and it is stunning, I sometimes feel a pang of sadness as the temperatures begin to cool. I know I'll miss some of the little things about the warm weather in the coming months, like leaving the house without a jacket, swimming outside and wearing sandals. Recent... Continue Reading →
Finding Community in Crises
There are no words to capture the many emotions we've all been experiencing since learning about the savage attack on Israeli civilians by Hamas last weekend. But in processing this, I am acutely aware of the importance of supporting each other as we collectively experience this unfolding crisis with thousands of innocent lives lost throughout... Continue Reading →
Breast Cancer Awareness
You've probably noticed the symbolic pink ribbons on social media lately, a sure sign that Breast Cancer Awareness Month is here and getting attention. The more support and attention paid to breast cancer, the better. Statistics show that 1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetimes.... Continue Reading →
Training Together
Fall’s arrival in Chicago is accompanied by many traditions. It’s a time to buy fresh apples from Michigan and watch the Chicago Cubs struggle to make the playoffs. One of my favorite fall traditions is cheering on the thousands of runners at the Chicago Marathon. This October marks the 46th running of the Chicago... Continue Reading →
📚Teach Your Children Well
Although reading is inherently a solitary activity, books can provide a strong foundation for conversation and connection with others. In one of LOF's earliest posts, I wrote about my own experience with a local book group. I also enjoyed facilitating a book group with a few other parents for my son and some of his... Continue Reading →
A Season for Renewal
Fall is often considered a season for new beginnings. For those celebrating Rosh Hashanah this weekend, marking the beginning of the Jewish High Holy Days, it’s an opportunity for reflection and renewal. Most people would probably benefit from stepping back from the daily routines in their lives for a period of reflection. Even those who... Continue Reading →