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Sharon Palatnik Simoncini's avatar

Amy, such a great topic! I’m in a book group and participate in a few other activities, so I have many acquaintances, but none of the women could be considered a close friend. I had an incident a few years ago in a supermarket where I had a cart full of food, and just after I went through the checkout, realized that I had lost my keys somewhere in the supermarket. I searched for a while and let someone know at the courtesy desk, but had no one to call to get a ride home from the supermarket so I could get the second set of keys. I felt like such a loser. The topic of friends in later life (I’m in my 60s) has been on my mind as well. The retreat sounds great. I’m definitely interested.

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Amy Byrnes's avatar

Sharon, ouch. I know that could have been me so don't feel too alone in the "loser" boat. And I like your distinction between friends and acquaintances, the latter of which I have tons of and the former, not so much. And I think it's me, too. I keep people at a distance. I know it's something I need to work on. Will keep you posted about the retreat!

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Helene Fall's avatar

Appreciated the story about friendship in our later years. It is definitely hard to cultivate. After “retirement“ and moving to where we summered, I decided to become an active volunteer at our local hospital. Have made many acquaintances who are significantly older than I am. I appreciate the camaraderie, which comes from volunteering and the socialization which comes from various projects and activities within our volunteer organization. However, transitioning to friends is much more daunting.

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Paolo Peralta's avatar

Will def check this out! These are beautiful moments! Thanks for sharing. Let's stay connected https://substack.com/@makepurethyheart?r=1zorpg&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=profile

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Amy Byrnes's avatar

Will do!!!

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Amy Byrnes's avatar

Hi Helen thanks for sharing that! That must have been daunting to make that jump and I appreciate knowing that, even in later years, it's stil such a slow process. Keep us posted. xo

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Kelly Lang's avatar

I would love info on the retreat. Female friendship at our ages is such a hot topic now. Here is a podcast you might like https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dear-nina-conversations-about-friendship/id1576473592

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Amy Byrnes's avatar

Oh, I've seen that and forgot about it. THANK YOU!!!!

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Jennifer LaFond's avatar

I would like to attend the weekend retreat if possible.

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Liz Alterman's avatar

Amy! This recipe looks amazing! Thank you! I was also salivating at the thought of seeing you in Stone Harbor but I have a commitment all day Saturday. Please count me in for the next one!! 💕💕

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Amy Byrnes's avatar

Liz! Make the peanut sauce and you're in for the next go-round! xo

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lisa tremayne's avatar

Hi Amy - such a great topic! am interested in speaking with you regarding a speaker opportunity on this very subject.

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Amy Byrnes's avatar

Hi Lisa! Awesome! You can email me at amy@amybyrnes.com. xo

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Eileen's avatar

I'm so bummed I can't make the retreat...ironically have a date with Springsteen in Albany that Monday and with a new job, can't ask for yet another day off to travel ;-) Excited to hear all about it!, and pics or it didn't happen! (and for those on the fence about meeting online like-minded people - all I can say is I've been part of an online working moms group since the mid-90s, and some of these women have turned into real-life BFFs. JUST DO IT.)

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Amy Byrnes's avatar

Eileen, the 1990s??!! What internet pilgrims you were!!!! We will definitely be doing more of these so we can try to foster those connections. Thanks for sharing your experience: INSPIRING!! Good luck with the new job. xo

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Venetia's avatar

Hi Amy, I’m definitely interested in your retreat, although I might be traveling from the west coast. Once you share more info, I’ll have a better idea if I can make it work 😊

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Venetia's avatar

Also, I mentioned it to my husband… and he asked me, “who is this person and how do you know she is not a serial killer?” 😂😂😂

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