Nat gets by with a little help from her friends

Last Saturday morning I got a text from Cate, fellow blogger and extraordinary human, shortly after my post was published.

“One more resource is your friends and the ppl who think you are awesome — I send you a huge hug”

And I have to say, I’m blessed with a spectacular group of friends. From queer community to fitness bloggers to colleagues…I get so much love and encouragement. I have people I can ugly cry with.

My beloved and I often talk about the importance of social connection and a sense of belonging, especially as it relates to wellbeing.

Keeping social connections is highly gendered. This oldie but a goodie article from the New York Times explores the uneven burden but also the well being gains for women.

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/08/well/family/kinkeeping-families.html

People expect that I, as a cisgendered woman, will seek out and maintain connections. Michel, as a cisgendered man, is seen as odd, even creepy. It’s weird.

We have shared friends and family. We also have our individual pursuits and friends. I enjoy his friends and he mine.

So yes Cate, you are a part of my strategy for coping and celebrating.

And if you are reading this thinking you haven’t heard from a friend for a while reach out and offer a hug, a hike or a heckin’ good time.

It will make all the difference to you both.