Shall We Dance?

It has always been difficult to make new friends, due to the fact I've been burned more than once. Dating back to junior high school I've had true blue friends turn into women I no longer recognized. Debbie dropped me like a hot potato for Caroline who lived across the street from her. Sandy shut me out like a leper when she befriended a neighbor that could teach her sign language. Lisa pretended to be my friend only to be able to wear my clothes. Jackie was my roommate who decided my x-husband was the best thing since sliced bread. Not only was she my closest friend, she was my Maid of Honor and four years later married the x.

There was Melanie who always told me how beautiful I was when swimming and wet. When she realized she was not my type (so-to-speak) she wrote me a letter reporting she was dating one of her female students. Then there was Cyndi who made me bread and spent every Sunday at the Swap Meet with me in tow. She later hooked up with my second x and married him. They will celebrate 12 years of wedded bliss next month. Of all my friends, I remain closest to her. She is an Earth Mother of sorts - doesn't believe in BS of any type - and loves me just as much as she did in 1973.

So you can imagine my hesitation when an opportunity comes along to make a new friend. Shall I give up pieces of my life and private thoughts to have the juices squeezed out and the sponge left dry on the kitchen counter? I'm old enough now to realize I will get back what I put into a friendship. It must be equal - it has got to be real. No expectations, just honesty and laughter and a sounding board. And someone that enjoys a cool cocktail, cats and crystals. *This would be you Marty Margarita.

And if you want to marry my 3rd husband, be my guest. Only joking James.