Friends

One of the things I wish I could go back and tell my 18-year-old self is how hard it is to make friends as an adult, so you should definitely try and hang on to the ones you have.

I dunno why it seems so rare and wonderful to find someone who is willing and able to be your friend as a 40-something when it is SO EASY in high school. Kind of like dating, I guess. As you age, you become more and more selective, until you have done selected yourself out of the pool.

The pool! Funny you should mention the pool! Because my latest proto-friend, Mary, is someone I met at the pool.

She is a plant breeder (10 points in her favor). She is funny as hell (another 10 points). She loves dogs (5 points. Who DOESN'T love dogs? Only the most messed up of people).

But here is ultimate proof of her Fitness for Friendhood^TM:

The scene: Water Aerobics Class

Instructor (who never, ever, stops talking, and who is a Major Control Freak): I have had some complaints, so from now on, NO TALKING IN CLASS.
Mary, instantly, to me: Yeah, right. So what is going on with you?

We talked all through the rest of class. Quietly, in the back row. With the Instructor Wench glaring at us. We discussed the Unabomber, hair coloring, and the Dodgers. I think this could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.