Connections and Disconnections

Had a visit yesterday from a friend I used to work with.

It was weird. I felt like he hadn't changed a bit in the past 2 years (and he will probably agree), while so much has happened in my own life. In a sense, I've moved on, but we are still connected by our shared work experience and the people we know.

When he asked me to tell him about what my life is like here, I couldn't summon up the words or the energy. I have no problem sharing with moms at school and friends from church. They are people I see regularly and who already know a bit about my family life. With people who aren't in the overlapping circles of social connection, it's harder. Where do I begin? What can I say that won't bore them? Stories about what my kids love, say and do - like the girls' attempt to sing the Three Bears Song from Korean drama Full House - are fascinating only to people in the inner circle: parents, grandparents, aunts, and close girlfriends with kids of a similar age.

The gender issue is real. Most guys I know, even the ones with families of their own, aren't interested in 'too much information' and don't enthuse the same way about a toddler's achievements like a girlfriend would.

I suppose this is that season of life where my family commitments guide my social connections. I have only so much time and energy in the day, and I must exclude some for the sake of being available for those who are happy to accept that my availability, attention and even my conversation is defined by my children.

I guess that makes me the stereotype of a rather boring housewife. :)