‘IT FELT GOOD TO VENT’
Rachael Byrne, 52, lives in Milton Keynes with her children, Henry, 23, and Holly, 21.
When I moved to my new home in September 2019, I worried about feeling isolated.
It was my first big move for 20 years, so when Lisa made a point of saying hello, it put my mind at ease.
And although I’d always kept myself to myself before, with my previous neighbours, there was something about Lisa that made me think it would be nice to get to know her better.
Only, afterwards, aside from a quick chat every now and then, me and Lisa would very rarely see each other.
Of course, all that changed in March 2020 when we both found ourselves stuck at home.
Relationships
I quickly found myself opening up to her about my very recent break-up, my past relationships and my business venture – a special cushion for women so they can lie on their front when they are sunbathing.
She was so supportive, and because Lisa was so much further along in her own business, it was great to get inspiring insights and advice from her, and I was able to help her with her website and her social media, as well.
There were certain days during lockdown when things felt like a real struggle – making sure my kids were OK, worrying about my business, which had hardly got off the ground, and a disappointment in my love life all meant that sometimes I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed.
‘TIME FLIES WHEN WE CHAT’
A blessing
So, having Lisa nearby, just over the garden fence, to vent to and have a good gossip with really felt like a blessing.
Now, there’s nothing we can’t talk about, and whether we’re sharing disastrous dating stories or having a rant about politics, the time just flies by when we’re chatting.
I’m so lucky to have such a good friend like her as a next-door neighbour, and I truly believe we may not have had the chance to get to know each other so well if it hadn’t have been for these strange times we are going through.