I read “A Good Man is Hard to Find” in a women’s book group (that I lead) while postpartum with my third. 😵💫 Poor life choice on my part. Even though I now love Flannery O’Connor and think she was a genius. More on topic to what you wrote: I loved this essay, Jim. Sometimes I think it’s easier for women to make friends in adulthood. We have book groups, playgroups, homeschool groups, Bible study groups, knitting groups, etc., etc., etc. I don’t (think?) the same kind of choices exist for men.
I think the key to making friends as an adult is groups that meet regularly, whether it’s a hobby group, an alumni group, religious services, etc. It’s way harder to try to make friends off the strength of one conversation and arrange follow-up plans! I met my husband and several other friends in a running club in my neighborhood :)
The contrapositive of O’Connor’s title is also true: if your man was easy to find, he’s bad!
I read “A Good Man is Hard to Find” in a women’s book group (that I lead) while postpartum with my third. 😵💫 Poor life choice on my part. Even though I now love Flannery O’Connor and think she was a genius. More on topic to what you wrote: I loved this essay, Jim. Sometimes I think it’s easier for women to make friends in adulthood. We have book groups, playgroups, homeschool groups, Bible study groups, knitting groups, etc., etc., etc. I don’t (think?) the same kind of choices exist for men.
I think the key to making friends as an adult is groups that meet regularly, whether it’s a hobby group, an alumni group, religious services, etc. It’s way harder to try to make friends off the strength of one conversation and arrange follow-up plans! I met my husband and several other friends in a running club in my neighborhood :)