Just recently I returned from a trip to Dallas, Texas. I had gone there to meet up with old college roommates. I couldn’t help but marvel that after all this time apart, visiting only once a year and very little telephone contact how easy it was to fall back into friendship with these girls.
I know that people with high levels of social interaction live longer than their peers. It was especially interesting to me to learn that in your “golden years” this is even more important, ranking second, among factors that make people consider if they have a good life.
It makes me feel even better about my decision to participate in Women’s Club of Manheim. Through it I have gained many friendships I would not have established otherwise—my insights have been deepened, my point of view expanded.
Many of you have been residents of Manheim all of your life, some of you have not. Many of you know one another and travel in similar social circles and others may not. But one thing we all share is a need to have friendships and expand our social relationships.
Digital communication and online social networking are not substitutes for this level of connecting and friendship. Studies show that those who socialize online only, despite their level of online communication are still more lonely than their counterparts.
So I implore you to go to each meeting this year. Find a new face, or someone you know a little less and sit down and talk to them. You never know you may just make a new friend and expand your life another year. It can’t hurt. right?
