Friendship is a slow ripening fruit

During my exploration into the topic of friendships, I came across a quote by Aristotle, which rings true for me: “Wishing to be friends is quick work, but friendship is a slow ripening fruit.”

It takes time to cultivate a friendship.

Moving away from people you’ve known for twenty years can leave one feeling lonely. Yes, we keep in touch virtually, but it’s just not the same. I miss my lunch dates, chats, and Bible studies.

So how does one connect with people in a town where you know literally two people?

There are many reasons we chose Melbourne, Florida as our new home, one being that we felt at home at our church before we even relocated. We visited several times when vacationing on the beaches on the Atlantic Coast. We’ve known the pastor’s wife since our college days. She and her husband are caring, loving, compassionate people with servants’ hearts.

Meeting new people is easy for my husband. He is much better at it than I. He’s an extrovert and will talk to anyone. And be comfortable doing so.

Let’s just say I’m not an extrovert.

I’m working on planting that seed of friendship by introducing myself to someone new each week at church. That will be a struggle for me but relationships require communication, right?

I mentioned in my February newsletter my husband and I have been going to local events like Craft Fairs and Market Days. A vendor will often give us a business card and I, in turn, will give them one of mine. The same vendors will frequent these gatherings, so we will see them again and form some friendships.

While I miss my friends back in WV, I don’t miss the weather. Being able to go for walks and not having to don wool socks, boots, a knit cap, sweater, and parka–besides regular clothes–makes exercise much easier to fit into the day. We live in a gated community that comprises over a hundred homes. A lot of our neighbors have dogs that require walks, which means they are out daily. It’s our goal to meet every dog owner.

I think we need to get a dog.

photo by Douglas Ingles

On our many beach walks during past vacations, the sea turtle and its nesting habits fascinated us. I became aware of the Sea Turtle Preservation Society. We joined and registered as volunteers. In March, we’ll go through an orientation and will take part in a beach cleanup. Did you know that any holes you dig on the beach where nesting takes place inhibits the turtle hatchlings from finding their way from the nest to the ocean? Poor little creatures fall in. Also, skip the straw at restaurants. Each year, cleanup volunteers collect hundreds of thousands of plastic straws and stirrers. It will help keep plastic trash from making its way into the oceans.

One of the pieces we placed in a guest room

Furnishing and decorating a new home is a joy. We’ve made several furniture purchases through Facebook Marketplace. I understand not everyone wants to be our friend. Some sellers just want to complete a sales transaction. And that’s fine.

But I have been exchanging texts with the woman from whom we bought a nightstand. She was floored when I asked how I could pray for her and her husband. One more seed of friendship planted. We’ve got a Sunday lunch date in the works. I look forward to a long friendship.

Speaking of prayer, I would be honored to pray for you. Just hit that Reply button and share your request. I won’t divulge your needs to anyone else.

As you can see, there are many ways to meet new people: church, events, shopping, neighborhood walks, and volunteering. What other ways do you meet new people and cultivate friendships? Please leave a comment below!