BOOK SIGNING

Closed book at Gloria Vanderhorst's book signing

BOOK SIGNING

Ink, Intention, and the Gift of Connection

A signature isn’t just a name—it’s a moment of meaning. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this reflection explores how book signings and inscriptions become emotional bridges between author and reader, giver and receiver.

Have you ever signed a book for someone?

This past weekend, I was invited to the Reading Glass Bookstore in New Jersey to sign copies of my book, “Read, Reflect, Respond: The 3 R’s of Growth and Change.” The bookstore is located in a mall with a lot of foot traffic. Sitting at a table in the front of the store allowed me to beckon passersby and enjoy talking with them about their experiences with journaling and encouraging them to take a book home.

The lovely thing about this book is that it has no discernible order. You can approach it from any direction. You can jump around depending on your mood for that day or week. Another thing I truly love about this book is that the response page is unlined. The page is blank, leaving you the opportunity to draw, scribble, or scratch as the mood strikes you. Our responses to reading will not always come in the form of words. Sometimes, we need to draw or scribble to connect with our thoughts and feelings.

Even if you haven’t published a book, I bet you’ve signed one for someone. As a preteen, I went through religious training, and my parents signed a Bible for me. As a professional, I participated in a year-long training program led by a well-known author. At the end of the training, I was awarded one of his books, which he had signed. Then, I asked the members of my small team to sign it as well.

Books are treasures. When a book is given to you, the giver has a special purpose. First, I believe the gift is a sign of respect and love. Second, I think the book has a clear intent. The giver wants you to benefit in some way, and giving you this book is a way of honoring the relationship with you and encouraging your growth.

When have you given a book to someone? Now is the time!

P.S. A few people asked about the book signing, so I’ve put together a photo album on Facebook for you to check out. Take a look here: Book Signing Photo Album

Interested in building emotional insight through reflective practice? Explore individual therapy in Maryland and DC or learn more about therapeutic approaches that nurture emotional growth through creativity and connection.

COURAGE

A book about a child standing at a microphone next to a houseplant, symbolizing everyday courage and emotional resilience in Maryland and DC.

COURAGE

Everyday Bravery and the Quiet Power Within

Courage isn’t reserved for heroes—it lives in all of us. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this reflection explores how emotional resilience shows up in daily life, and how recognizing our own acts of courage can deepen self-respect and connection.

Courage is an interesting word. My first thought is to think of men and now women who go to war to protect our country and the courage required to put yourself on a beach with bombs blasting around you or the courage that it takes to fly an airplane into enemy territory and be chased by other airplanes. Then I think about the young children in hospitals fighting cancer and the families that surround them with love and courage. These are the courage challenges at the extreme ends of personal experience.

What about the space in between facing war and facing life-threatening illness? The space in between is filled with all forms of courage:

  • The mother gets up early to make lunches to get to her nursing job by 7 a.m. for the 7 to 3 p.m. shift.
  • The father works a job for a paycheck, whether he likes it or hates it, and never complains.
  • The elderly neighbor faces daily pain yet waves and smiles as she picks up her paper.
  • The depressed teen comes home straight from school to watch her younger sibling until her parents get home.

Courage comes in all sizes and shapes, and it’s a universal human experience. The examples I’ve listed are just a few instances of facing adversity. However, courage is needed to face any life experience and choose to do our best. The new reader in first grade needs courage to read aloud. The middle school boy swinging the bat and hoping to hit the ball is using courage to stand in front of his team and the fans. The high school drama student walks on stage, holding fast to the memorized lines. We all have our moments of courage, no matter how big or small.

When have you leaned into your courage? Think about this. Reflect on those times that you have called on your courage. You had to tell a friend or family member how their rudeness hurt you. You had to give a presentation to a group of investors to help your company gain an advantage. These are just a few examples. Take a moment to recall your own acts of courage, no matter how big or small. Recognize and appreciate your own strength.

We all find times when we must call on our courage and lean into it. When you have done this, how do you feel? When you have watched someone you love do this, how do you feel toward them? I am filled with awe by the fact that we have this capability. I don’t care if I am talking about the kindergartener who stands to recite the alphabet or read a simple passage or the teen who risks trying out for the school play or the college wrestler who decides to dig deeper for energy to pin the opponent or the employee who sees corruption and decides to report it. Having courage is innate. What a marvelous design. We each have this capability and instinctively know when it is required. That does not mean we always choose to use it, but we always know when it is needed.

Want to explore how courage builds emotional resilience and personal growth? Visit NeuroLaunch’s guide to courage as a complex psychological state, The Feeling Human’s reflections on courage and transformation, and Authentic Happiness’ insights on moral and emotional courage.

If you’re reflecting on emotional strength, resilience, or personal transformation, therapy can help. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support emotional insight and courageous living.

Sky

A man sitting on the water near a bridge after divorce, gazing at the sky after experiencing overstimulation, symbolizing Emotional Shutdown in Boys in Maryland and DC.

SKY

Constellations, Calm, and the Cosmic Perspective

Sometimes the best therapy is overhead. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this reflection explores how stargazing connects us to childhood wonder, emotional resilience, and the quiet wisdom of the night sky.

As a kid, I remember lying on the ground at dusk and staring at the sky. The grass beneath was cool, and you could run your hands along the ground, feeling the blades swish between your fingers. If you positioned yourself in the middle of the backyard, no tree branches or building roofs would block your view. Our backyard was long and skinny, so you had a fantastic opportunity to find a free spot. The ground still had some warmth, and you could lie there until dark and wait for the stars to come out.

Of course, we learned to look for the “Big Dipper” and the “North Star.” Those were easy to spot at certain times of the year. They looked remarkably close in some ways, and in others, they seemed far away. I think their proximity was more about one’s mood than the actual distance. The other constellations required some brain power. Did you know that there are twelve familiar constellations? Twelve! Sometimes I think the world is way too organized. Here are the famous twelve:

  1. Aries
  2. Taurus
  3. Gemini
  4. Cancer
  5. Leo
  6. Virgo
  7. Libra
  8. Scorpio
  9. Sagittarius
  10. Capricorn
  11. Aquarius
  12. Pisces

Of course, the obvious challenge is finding them and knowing when they can be seen in your location. I am a Taurus, so I am going to be hunting for that one. Taurus is a weird positioning of a bull as though it is scrunching itself to prepare to return to utero. That cocoon stage of complete safety and support is tempting. Life, even for a kid, can sometimes take its toll. Your science project did not turn out the way you had hoped, and having the poster board fall over in the middle of your presentation was embarrassing. Last night at dinner, when you asked for the salt to spice up your meat, that slight head turn and request resulted in your brother stabbing your meat and eating it before the salt arrived. As a Taurus displaying strength, determination, and loyalty, you decide that meat will never need salt again! Or that the dinner table is a dangerous place to be.

But, when you are enjoying lying on the cool grass and watching the stars come out, let go of the daily irritations and you think this is the best place to be.

Want to explore how stargazing fosters emotional clarity and cosmic connection? Visit Very Big Brain’s guide to patience and perspective through stargazing, Auryo’s spiritual meaning of moon and stars, and Quotesanity’s constellation quotes for inspiration and reflection.

If you’re reflecting on perspective, emotional grounding, or cosmic curiosity, therapy can help. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support emotional insight and personal renewal.

SELF EXAMINATION

A person sitting in the mountains, symbolizing self examination and emotional reflection in Maryland and DC

SELF EXAMINATION

Aging, Attention, and the Art of Caring for Yourself

Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s survival. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this reflection explores how emotional awareness and physical discipline intersect, and how aging invites us to examine not just our bodies, but our habits and values.

I am due for my annual physical, but I am not considering that type of examination. I am thinking about the mental and emotional reflections that help us to see ourselves clearly and adjust as we age. Yes, I am going to talk about the dreaded topic of aging.

No matter what age you are, you are always aging! Hey, you are human. Humans age. Of course, we love to watch this process when looking at our young children, teenagers, or new college graduates. What happens to that sense of adventure and curiosity when we look at ourselves? We feel a joint start to stiffen, or a muscle weaken, or we see our skin loosen up in places. Ok. That is not fun, and we do have to use that exercise bike or treadmill in the basement. Besides, there are plenty of books on tape or excellent travel channels to watch. Sometimes, you can get so engaged in the media that you lose track of how long you have been walking or pedaling. That is a good thing! Give yourself a pat on the back if your arthritis will let you reach that far! Just kidding.

Looking at our health and wellbeing is essential. Humans are resilient and can stay healthy, fit, and vital for decades. The actual process is easy in terms of time and energy. The American Heart Association says that we can all stay fit and healthy with 20 minutes of moderate exercise daily. See, the exercise bike or treadmill does not need to be a place to hang old clothes! Hang yourself on these devices for 20 minutes, and you are good to go. Then, what stops us? If the process is truly that easy, why are we so resistant? Sometimes, I think I can spend more time protesting the idea of the exercise bike than it would take to ride the darn thing! This is not about time. This is about attention to me and discipline.

Many humans have difficulty attending to themselves. All you must do is look around. As a culture, we are a very unhealthy group. Then, look at yourself. Check your weight. Check your blood pressure. Check the last time you had a physical exam. Check the last time you spent 20 minutes in aerobic exercise. See where this is going? Taking care of ourselves is not a difficult task, and it is not time-consuming. The key is consistency. You have routines for many things. Those routines serve you well. Find the one routine that will serve your exercise needs and keep you strong for years to come.

Want to explore how aging and self-reflection support emotional and physical wellness? Visit Neuroscience News’ guide to midlife growth and self-acceptance, Smart Strategies for Successful Living’s reflections on aging, and Psychology Today’s insights on aging and comfort with self.

If you’re reflecting on aging, discipline, or emotional wellness, therapy can help. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support emotional insight and life-stage vitality.

BACK POUNDING

Man in park reading about vulnerability and masculinity, alongside two men embracing with a firm back pat, symbolizing emotional connection and vulnerability in Maryland and DC.

BACK POUNDING

Touch, Masculinity, and the Unspoken Rules of Connection

Sometimes a pat says more than a hug. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this reflection explores how male touch is shaped by social conditioning, and how back pounding reveals deeper discomfort with vulnerability and emotional intimacy.

I am not talking about backaches. I am talking about watching two men embrace and pound each other on the back as though both need to dislodge something caught in their throats. What is going on? Why this modified Heimlich maneuver as a greeting of intimacy or connection? Are they choking? Is touching another male so dangerous? What does this “habit” portend? The men pounding each other are experiencing a foreboding, a fear that this touch is in some way hazardous or lethal! How is it possible that the person you are greeting with intimacy can also bring up a sense of terror?

Are men choking? Well, we could answer this in two separate ways. No, you are not experiencing your throat close and threatening your airway. You constrict your muscles as a natural reaction to fear, and your throat may close a bit. When we embrace another person, our body reacts with changes in our gut. The impact of a warm, loving touch is designed to be positive for our body and our mood. The tactile experience of being embraced releases oxytocin, a “feel-good” hormone in the brain. A bundle of nerves called c-tactile afferents generate feelings of well-being and pleasure. At the same time, men resist the embrace and thus send counter signals to the brain that they may be in danger of being overcome and need to be cautious and self-protective.

The man’s body is denying him the chemical benefit of loving touch. Now, you may say that this makes perfect sense because men are designed to fight and protect, aren’t they? So, body contact with another male should be met with caution. Well, if you accept this explanation, then you have just made men the dumbest creatures on the planet by implying that they cannot discern positive attention from lethal attacks. So, back to the drawing board! The back pounding is not about personal protection. It is about social expectations. We train men to deny their need for touch and comfort, and we start that training in early childhood.

Go to the local playground and watch the interaction between adults and children. The little girl with tears flowing will be picked up and asked what happened. The little boy with tears flowing will be asked what happened, and if his explanation is “good enough,” he will be picked up and comforted, but most of the time, he will be sent back into the arena of play without receiving physical comfort. Every time I see this, I want to shake the adult and explain that the boy deserves comfort! He is human! Pick him up and comfort him before sending him back to play.

Want to explore how platonic touch and masculinity intersect? Visit Dr. Cuddles’ guide to platonic touch and emotional connection, Psychreg’s overview of physical touch and emotional well-being, and Talkafeels’ reflections on back-touching and vulnerability.

If you’re reflecting on emotional expression, gender norms, or relational healing, therapy can help. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support emotional insight and connection.

SNAIL MAIL

Woman sitting next to a handwritten letter beside a vintage stamp, symbolizing emotional connection and tradition in Maryland and DC.

SNAIL MAIL

Paper, Patience, and the Power of Connection

Snail mail isn’t slow—it’s deliberate. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this reflection explores how handwritten letters preserve emotional depth, and why the art of letter writing remains a timeless act of love and legacy.

What is the origin of this phrase? Fortunately, you can find about anything on the internet. A brief search results in noting that the term was first used in 1942 in the Lowell Sun newspaper in Lowell, Massachusetts. However, the phrase was reversed to “mail snail” to reference the office person who was slow to respond. Real popularity hit in the 1990s when email took over, and messages could be sent quickly and easily via a computer. The reference, of course, is to the slower pace of moving messages within the office or through the US Post Office.

When you remember that messages were first delivered on foot and the significant advance was the Pony Express, you appreciate that email is a game changer. One day, I suppose we will have an implant in the brain to receive other people’s messages and thoughts. Yikes! That sounds awful. What if you could hear my thoughts? You like my earrings, and I think, wow, I bought those at a flea market in downtown Baltimore, and I wonder if you think I am cheap. Could you hear that thought? Or you ask why I did not show up to the last Church Board meeting, and I say I was busy when, in fact, I was watching “Zulu” for the umpteenth time and wanted to finish it. Yikes. What havoc will artificial intelligence wreak?

Recently, I have become a bigger fan of snail mail. I use it to send thank you notes and birthday cards and get well soon cards. I like finding a card in my stack of mail and figure that others like that too. There is something about holding the actual paper that is just plain satisfying. My granddaughters have had this habit from early childhood of making cards for birthdays, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day. The cards are always creative and magical. I hope they never stop. I sometimes imagine that when they have their children, they will make homemade birthday cards for them, too! Traditions like that are essential.

When was the last time you sent a note, letter, or thank you to someone you value? Receiving real mail and holding the letter or card as you read the sentiment is a treat. Those that we love need to be honored in this way. I hope that the post office continues to deliver real cards and letters. However, I will say that the volume of catalogs and solicitations can be overwhelming. Those I could do without!

Whether you are snail mail or email enthusiasts, communicating with those you love and respect is essential. Often, we hear of family members finding boxes of letters when clearing out a loved one’s home after they have passed. These old letters are a treasure. Reading the notes passed between high school sweethearts, the letters cherished from men sent off to war, or the advice from grandparents to grandchildren heading off into the real world means bringing yourself face to face with the intimate connections of those we love. Letter writing used to be the only way of communicating long distance. I hope that this art is never lost.

Want to explore the emotional and historical value of snail mail? Visit Captain Mail’s reflections on the lost magic of snail mail, Unity’s guide to handwritten gratitude, and Live Laugh Rowe’s tribute to snail mail as a lost art.

If you’re reflecting on connection, tradition, or emotional expression, therapy can help. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support emotional insight and relational healing.

If You Are Expecting a Boy…

Woman who is Expecting a Boy reading advice about pregnancy

IF YOU ARE EXPECTING A BOY…

Tradition, Transformation, and the Future of Gender Roles

Blue confetti may still fly, but the meaning behind it is evolving. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this reflection explores how gender expectations are shifting, and how raising boys today means rethinking what masculinity truly looks like.

The cannon going off in blue instead of pink is the most popular announcement. We are expecting a boy! Historically, boys would grow up to take on more responsibility in society than girls. Therefore, celebrations that favor boys make sense historically. However, given more recent changes in society, this tradition should begin to fade. Celebrating life, whether it be male or female, is important. We want to continue the family line.

Remember in elementary school when the art teacher showed you how to make a family tree? The drawing and coloring were fun, but more important was the research. Mom and Dad would tell stories about relatives going back generations. “Where was Cousin Ernest?” was a favorite in my mother’s family. The facts were not important because each time the story was told, Cousin Ernest seemed more lost, more in trouble, or more foolish. Trust me, no one else in the family tree was named Ernest! As you learned about your family history and placed the family apples on the tree, you developed a sense of pride in yourself and your family’s legacy.

What are your favorite stories from your family history?
Boys have always featured prominently in these stories. That trend is in the process of shifting as women take on more roles that were previously reserved for men. Look at women’s basketball! A league that started in 1996 has landed on prime-time television, and the competition is fierce. Women are leaders in industry, government, the military, entertainment, and sports. Their traditional role in the family is changing as well. Men are electing to stay home and care for the children, a role once reserved for women and often a source of shame for men. Today, you will even find men’s support groups focused on raising children.

Traditional gender roles for adults are shifting, and previous boundaries are being crossed. Biology no longer defines or limits the roles that either gender can assume. As this happens, what needs to change in how we raise boys and girls to prepare them for a more gender-neutral adulthood? Are the gender roles of the past determined by genetics or by society? Even if they are naturally ingrained, can they be changed? Would making gender roles more flexible be a good thing or a bad thing? These questions form the basis of discussion in various groups. Where do you stand? What will be the long-term effects of a more gender-neutral society?

Could childrearing help men retain the full range of feelings they were born with? What would be the social impact of such a trend?

These are all good questions, and I hope society has an opportunity to answer them all.

Want to explore how gender expectations shape boys and young men? Visit Psychology Today’s guide to gender expectations and emotional development, Simply Psychology’s breakdown of gender socialization, and Counseling Today’s insights on masculinity and mental health.

If you’re reflecting on parenting, gender roles, or emotional development, therapy can help. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support emotional insight and family wellness.

End of the Year

A journal and pen beside a warm mug, symbolizing end of the year reflection and emotional growth in Maryland and DC.

END OF THE YEAR

Reflection, Intention, and the Power of Personal Agency

The calendar may turn, but transformation begins within. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this reflection explores how year-end rituals invite clarity, gratitude, and intentional planning for a future shaped by choice.

As November and December play out heading to the end of the year, celebrations of all kinds are happening. We focus on being grateful for the brave souls who crossed an ocean and risked their lives to start a new country. We are focused on faiths of all kinds, honoring our spiritual histories, and pausing to examine the meaning of life itself. When we approach the year’s end, we commit ourselves to new beginnings and better ways of being present with others.

In this season of reflection, be intentional about taking time to reflect on your past year. December is a suitable time to find a comfortable spot and sit quietly with pen and paper. Look at your past year. What stands out to you? Positive and negative. Where have you been? Who have you spent time with? Look at how you have invested yourself over the past year and examine the impact. Some of you have invested in your children and grandchildren. Some of you have spent time with friends and colleagues. People’s interactions can be a blessing or a challenge. Reflect on how you have functioned with others, and think about what you want to repeat, what you want to change, and what you want to add for the future. People are our most precious assets.

In this season of reflection, be intentional about taking time to plan your year. The good news is that you get to choose how this coming year will go. Of course, you cannot select all the parts, but you can choose many. You have time, energy, and resources. Be intentional about how you want to invest in each of these. Examine how you have spent your time in the past year. I am sure you had ideas and dreams about what you wanted to experience. Do not just dream about them. Make real plans. See that aging aunt in Idaho. Take that flight to Iceland to experience the Northern Lights. Stop talking about what you want to do and where you will go and make actual plans—volunteer at the soup kitchen. Spend time in the NICU holding babies.

The next year of your life will be filled with your choices, whether intentional or not. The question is, will these choices be intentional? So many times, we move through our day, our week, our year without intention. We talk about having goals. I want to lose weight and keep it off so that movement becomes easier. There are clear directions on how to do that. I need to follow them. I want to spend time with friends and have meaningful conversations. They would welcome that. I need to call them. I want to practice my instrument to make the music light and easy. I need to take the time in my day and do it.

We are coming to the end of the year. The new year is just around the corner. I have agency in many parts of my life. If I sat with a pad of paper and a pen, I could be clear about areas of my life where I have agency. I could take myself seriously. The new year is ahead; I can fill the pad with specific plans and goals.

Want to explore structured ways to reflect and plan your year? Visit Savvy Sparrow’s printable end-of-year reflection worksheet, Productive Fish’s guide to year-end reflection and planning, and Psychology Today’s questions for closing the year and preparing for the next.

If you’re reflecting on personal growth, intention, or emotional clarity, therapy can help. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support emotional insight and life-stage transformation.

Basketball for All

A woman looking at a neighborhood basketball hoop above a garage after receiving a compliment, symbolizing community connection and gender equity in Maryland and DC.

BASKETBALL FOR ALL

Driveways, Dynasties, and the Rise of Gender Equity

Basketball isn’t just a sport—it’s a shared language. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this reflection explores how childhood games and collegiate icons reveal the evolving landscape of gender equity in sports.

I recently wrote a post about Men’s Basketball and my sister chastised me for not highlighting Women’s Basketball as well. Basketball is finally a sport for men and women. Actually, I was reminded that it always has been when you look at the “home” court.

I remember the basketball hoop above the garage door. Our garage was in the alley at the end of the property, so there was plenty of space to play ball and shoot hoops. HORSE was a favorite game of all the neighbors. You could shoot from any angle and distance with space in the alley. The contests were intense and sometimes severe. We were all competitive, and that certainly describes the kids in our neighborhood. We could set up all kinds of competitions but none better than HORSE.

If you are not familiar with the game, it is pretty easy. Each team shoots in turn, and each basket counts as a letter in the word HORSE. The team that completes the spelling first is the winner. Of course, this sounds simple. However, like all parts of life, the task is not simple.

First, you must realize that everyone else is watching you. Half of them are holding their breath not to break your concentration, and the other half are shouting insults! What kind of a game is this?! It’s pretty fun because when the other team has a turn, you insult them! What kid does not enjoy exchanging an insult or two? This was all genuine fun, and our boundaries were respected most of the time. A new kid in the neighborhood might have to be corralled, but only once.

As a kid, both the boys and the girls competed together. You might think that the boys dominated, but that was not necessarily so. Many of the girls were great shots. Today, as I surf the channels for basketball, I will also find girls and guys on competitive teams. The girls are equally passionate and equally talented. Since I live in the Maryland/DC area, following the Maryland Terrapins is easy, and you must admire their coach, Brenda Frese. As their head coach since 2002, she is an icon. I wonder why a professional team did not snatch her up long ago. Her teams have a history of success and dominance. Also, I can see that she respects these students and encourages their potential.

As a teen, I was a member of the cheering block. Remember the group that sat in the bleachers and cheered their heads off? We also wore weird shirts. The front was gold colored, and the back was black…our school colors, of course! With this flexibility, we could spell out things or create one giant letter to symbolize our team. That was a blast, except for being hoarse the next day.

Cheering for your favorite team is a blast.

Want to explore how basketball is advancing gender equity? Visit National Geographic’s history of women’s basketball and equity, The Ubyssey’s coverage of gender equality in North American basketball, and Feminist Campus’ guide to the WNBA’s fight for equality.

If you’re reflecting on sports, gender roles, or community connection, therapy can help. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support emotional insight and social wellness.

Sitting and Not Wanting to Leave

A woman Sitting and thinking about her "self" and Not Wanting to Leave

SITTING AND NOT WANTING TO LEAVE

Connection, Grace, and the Gift of Lingering

Some moments ask us to stay. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this reflection explores how deep friendships and shared presence remind us that emotional connection is not just a need—it’s a sacred experience.

I hope you’ve had the experience of sitting with friends and not wanting the moment to end. We are born connected. How many times have I repeated that phrase to myself and in my writings? We are born connected and spend the rest of our lives seeking connections with others. A connection is such a natural thing. As an embryo, the connection is a lifeline that feeds, nurtures, and assures us that more connections will come. As we float in amniotic fluid, we hear the sounds of another world beyond the one we inhabit. Perhaps the sounds are muffled, but they are interesting and intriguing, and we long to know more about them. We want to explore the outer world and discover what lies beyond.

As we sit with friends, we feel the connection and the desire to remain connected. Too many days and weeks have passed since we last saw each other. We love each other, and we want to nurture our love and respect for one another. We trust each other and know our words will be respected and cherished. We laugh at stories of the past and present. We delve into histories that are joyous and tragic. We understand. We respect. And most of all, we cherish these pieces of each other as though they were precious gems to be honored and carefully placed in our jewelry boxes, safekept in our hearts. We love each other.

That love does not gush all over the room. Our love is gentle and tender. We deeply respect each other and want each other to flourish and be healthy. We respect the limits inherent in each of us and offer assistance. We know it will one day be reciprocated.

The place where we gather expects us to be there on a regular basis. They allow us to linger, acknowledging that we haven’t been together for some time. They are patient and gracious as we stay, laugh, and tell more stories. The laughter rises in the room and spills across the balconies on the second floor. Fortunately, the place is clearing as the lunch crowd exits. We can see the staff clearing the tables and readying the place for the dinner crowd that will appear within two to three hours. Yet, we are not ready. We linger and are accepted as truants. Just a patient acceptance and recognition of the importance of this meeting. Grace is precious.

Friends are perfect!

Want to explore how emotional presence and connection shape well-being? Visit Dr. Vanderhorst’s original post on Sitting and Not Wanting to Leave, Psych Central’s guide to emotional presence and abandonment, and Psychology Today’s insights on relational energy and emotional fatigue.

If you’re reflecting on connection, emotional presence, or relational healing, therapy can help. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support emotional insight and interpersonal growth.