Submitted by Fred on

20 Minute Friends

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Lifestyle

Every morning I swim at the local pool at 6:00 am and one must arrive early to get a good lane.  

Thus, we begin lining up, huddled in the cold, at about 5:40 and there is a regular crew of swimmers (special are the ladies who regularly swim in lanes 2, 3 and 6) and gym rats (pictured).  

I feel that the 20 minutes we spend together in the cold has forged a special bond, as, little by little, we have become "20 minute friends", as we get to know each other and share our previous day experiences and other matters such as favorite local restaurants.

We have created a Lifeguard and Doorman (one special guy lets us in from the cold a few precious minutes early) Holiday Fund and have even become Facebook friends.  

Do you have any similar special slice of life experience?

Comments

Paul Napolitano

Our Pickleball communities are similar. Lots of hugs and “how are you?“s when we get there, and then it’s all business.
Daniel Schwartz

I see several dog walkers each morning when I go for my walk. Usually it's neighborhood gossip or talks of upcoming weather.
David Abeshouse

Yep - my physical rehab crowd. 20+ minutes of greetings, kibbitzing, badinage, and recommendations before we hit the machines.
Shelley Simpson

For me there are the vendors - coffee trucks, farmers market folks, restaurant folks - we banter, we know a bit about each others' families and some of the back story. Sometimes there's a story to share and always a welcoming smile.I never underestimate the human connection.
Benjamin Geizhals

In the days of commuting.... those special friends waiting on the platform for the train. Smiles until the train pulled in and the doors opened. Then the games begin as we rush to seats.
Victoria Drogin

My walk to my office when I worked in NYC. Every doorman and garage attendant over 10+ years. They saw a lot of the your daughter to work days, and I saw pictures of their kids for years.

Submitted by Judy_Mauer on Thu, 12/14/2023 - 21:37

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Judy Mauer

You have a talent to create a community wherever you go :0)
Mike Wiebe

We have nicked named him "slappy". He swims the middle of the fastest lane and he is very fast. He shares his lane reluctantly. He's like a machine non stop for exactly one hour. Been around for decades. For a fast swimmer his stroke is not that good, i.e. far from smooth, hence the nick name. We have all tried to be friendly but doesn't seem to work.... maybe because he's heard the nick name.
Rick Raymond

Since Covid began, there are 3 groups I am part of began meeting via zoom regularly and still do. So true, as Judy mentioned, you create a bonded group where ever you go.
Ray Walcott

We build these relationships by lining up to drop off and pick up Madison from school.

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