Written by Online therapist Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst, Ph.D.

ARE YOU A GARAGE GIRL?

Finding Connection, Comfort, and Community in Unexpected Places

During COVID, creativity became a lifeline for connection. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this story of the Garage Girls reminds us that friendship, warmth, and purpose can thrive anywhere, even in a chilly garage. This post celebrates the power of intentional gathering and the joy of being expected.

Now you must wonder what I am talking about. COVID has brought about some creative ways of meeting our needs for connection and comradery. Imagine four friends with access to an empty garage. In each corner, there sits a chair waiting for a guest. The garage door is open with plenty of air circulation. If it is a bit chilly, then each spot has a small heater and a blanket. One of those tv tables from the ’50s and 60’s sits beside each chair with a glass of water ready to be consumed. As the friends arrive, they have brought their knitting, and soon the needles will be clicking away as the conversation rises and falls.

Laughter will sometimes fill the garage, and some days tears. The Garage Girls have been friends for a long time, and they hold the heart of the other with respect and care. The knitting needles continue to click as the scarves lengthen. Last year they made over 100 scarves for the homeless. What a cozy thought. The warmth they feel for each other warms a stranger.
Where are your Garage Mates?

We all need to make space for each other. When you are expected, a place is set for you, and your friends know what you will need to be comfortable. Maybe a lawn chair in a garage is not your thing. Maybe you prefer a porch swing like the one on grandma’s porch when you were growing up. Maybe you always want the wing chair, or perhaps your parents have provided a little stool for you in front of the fireplace. Knowing that you are wanted is a beautiful feeling.
Are you making time for them?

We all lead busy lives, and we can easily settle into our own places in the world and forget to make time for those we love, admire, and want to grow with. Friends challenge us to be our better selves, to support our positions with real facts and truth, to do our homework as well as doing our best. All of that takes time and energy. Remember the quiz show that gave you the option to “phone a friend” if you didn’t know an answer? When is the last time that you phoned a friend?

The Garage Girls have the right idea. Make it regular. Make it fun. Make it meaningful. Make it with love. Well done, Girls!

If you’re seeking deeper connection or want to create space for meaningful relationships, therapy can help. Explore therapy for adults and families in DC or learn more about therapeutic approaches that support emotional connection and community. For more inspiration, read Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst’s original Garage Girl post.