I was having the conversation at the studio the other day with some of the dance parents about how our kids love to hug each other. Whenever they see each other, it’s like they haven’t seen each other in years. They can’t stop hugging, holding hands and giggling but they’ve only known each other for a few months. One parent told me that hugging isn’t even allowed at her daughter’s school – because touching others is not permitted.
It hit me and the other parents simultaneously. Why can’t adults do the same thing? Why can’t we just go up to people who look interesting and ask them to be our friends? Our kids do it all the time and it works. We have so many hang ups and prejudices and misconceptions about people we don’t even know. I’m sure we’ve missed out on so many possible friendships by being afraid of the unknown. When did that end?
My daughter entered preschool two years ago and met the most amazing little girl. They are “besties” to this day. Although they now go to separate schools, they keep in touch by phone, Facetime, with play dates and Girl Scouts. The friendship is so pure and innocent.
I was also blessed with a friend because by our daughters becoming so close, her mom and I have established an amazing friendship. They’re part of our family. I don’t believe I would have met her otherwise, which is sad. However, I’m thankful to know her and her family.
So now, I plan to be more open to speaking with people in the airport, at the grocery store or at my daughter’s activities because I never know what type of interesting people I may be missing out on. Now, my quest for you today is to go out and make a new friend.
The world needs more love.