Be there
Sometimes, you need to be the one to make reservations. You’ll meet after a busy day and walk to the restaurant, recalling major events of the past few weeks and sharing a few laughs; but, you know there is more beneath the surface.
You’ll sit down and look at the menu and realize the food is slightly more expensive than expected. You’ll suggest to split and they’ll offer to order an extra side.
Then, you’ll need to listen. You’ll hear about the challenges of work, school, home, love, distant dreams, lingering sadness, and the challenge of managing everything at once.
But, you won’t just listen. You can’t. You’ll need to be vulnerable too – sharing your recent joys, failures and ambitions.
The waiter will interrupt at awkward times.
The food will become nothing more than a prop.
The bill will come too soon.
You’ll schedule the next chat before you leave.
You’ll hug.
And, as you walk away, you’ll realize there was nothing more important than being there, for those moments, and with those people.