My Lifelong Pals Just Want To Gossip
QSince we were in school I’ve been great friends with two other women. We’re all now in our 60s and can spend more time together as our children have all left home. However, they’re driving me demented! They bicker all the time and tell tales behind one another’s backs. I’m fed up playing peacemaker and feel like telling them to grow up. However I know if I do there’s a risk I would then become the “bad” one and lose both their friendships.
AYou have all been friends for so long and know each other so well that I’m sure you sense the importance of continuing as a group however hard that may be while feeling as you do. I’m sure you all had plenty of fun along the way which is to be cherished.
This recent phase of bickering and telling tales is childish but also suggests a lack of stimulation in other more important areas. I’m sensing it’s going to be down to you, as the more
circumspect member of your group, to take control. Suggest outings that can be more educational. Visit an art gallery with a guide and then talk about the paintings. Visit a museum – again with a guide so that you get the most out of it. Or if you could create a common purpose – perhaps raising money for charity – I’m sure the sniping would fade away as you join forces to achieve something more valuable.
Some gossip is fun and normal, but too much is a poison. Remind your pals how blessed you’ve all been by being there for each other over the years, and now it’s time to move the goal posts and challenge yourselves.
There are so many places to excite interest and if there is more purpose in your get togethers then I’m sure your group will mature even more.
Create a common purpose, goal, or new and challenging activities to stem the gossip