I was sitting in a crowded little theater, waiting for a friend to do his one man show, and I was chatting with another friend. Someone asked us how we met, and my friend said, “She was advertising for friends, so I applied.”
It’s true. During my first storytelling experience, in front of a crowd of 150 people, I explained what brought me to Seattle, and at the end I mentioned that with my weird work schedule, I had yet to make many friends here, so if anyone had room in their heart for me, there I was.
Afterward she came up to me and said, “I’ll be your friend.” And she has been, ever since. A lot of really fun experiences with her would never have happened if I hadn’t spoken up. How lucky am I?
Sometimes, even if you think it should be blatantly obvious, you just have to put your intentions or desires right out there for all the world to see. “I’m looking for friends.” “I want to be in a relationship.” “I vont to be alone.” “I need help.” Whatever it is that you want, need, or plan to do, spread the word.
People cannot read your mind. I sincerely believe that the majority of misunderstandings stem from the fact that we often forget that simple point. We are so used to hearing the thoughts inside our heads that on some level we overlook that no one else can.
So my advice for the day is, SPEAK UP!!!
The View from a Drawbridge 
I disagree. People (especially those who work for me) ought to know the things I want without putting me through the unnecessary labor of speaking about it.
Glad I don’t work for you, Brian.
I would like to add that that speaking about how we feel and what we need, is also beneficial to oneself. Sometimes we must sort through what it is exactly we are feeling and if what we think we need, really is the healthiest, most appropriate option. Speaking about friends is an excellent example — you actually voiced this need absolutely clearly, with wonderful results!
And by the way, I waved “hi” to your bridge on Saturday though it wasn’t your work shift! I went to the library for the Fremont Historical Society meeting, a bunch of fun folks!
Very good points! And I love it when people wave hi. Makes it feel like a community up there.
Except that I was waving while you weren’t there, but it’s the thought that counts???? tee hee
Always the thought that counts. And I’m sure my coworker appreciated the thought, too.
I’ll be back again next month for more partying (i.e., drinking coffee) with the Fremont Historical Society folks, a fun crowd.
I bet they are! Ask them if they have any historical contacts that would know about the University Bridge. I know that President Roosevelt dedicated it in the 30’s when it opened, and I’ve been trying to find photos, but even his presidential library doesn’t have any.
Take a look at my blog, Wedgwood in Seattle History. The article at the top of the page is about the activists who helped bring the University Bridge into being in 1919. At the bottom of the article is a photo. Many more photos are available (free) on the Seattle Municipal Archives. http://www.seattle.gov/cityarchives
By posting his opinion Brian has spoken up and betrayed his belief that we should read his mind. Sorry he finds communication so strenuous that he wants others to do the work…especially with someone like me and my twisted perspective reading his mind… 🙂
Well, you’ve just revealed that I was trying to read his mind, too, because I assume he was joking. No idea, though, upon further reflection.
Since I don’t trust assumptions I actually read his mind…nope, not joking…he was dead serious…at least I think that was his mind I read…oh wait…I forgot to take off my tinfoil hat and must have been reading my own thoughts as they ricocheted back at me.
Hate when that happens.
well nobody told me would could just advertise for friends… sheesh
You can even specify what type of friend…best friend…fair weather friend…friend with benefits…
I like to leave some things to chance…
Fingers crossed.
exactly
See, now, I didn’t get that specific. Maybe I should.
Well, now you know!
yup