There once were two women, confirmed hermits. They treasured their time in their respective homes, relaxing in whatever way was comfortable for them. They didn’t live alone, they each had a mate. But for the most part, solitude was a luxury in which they partook as often as they could.
They’d known each other for a few years on a superficial basis, which after a while turned a bit more personal, not not entirely. After all, they both relished their privacy. But a circumstance motivated one of the hermits to initiate a social outing, including not only the two, but also their significant others.
The foursome got through the clumsy getting-to-know-you period, and after a very short time they were laughing and conversing as though they’d known each other forever. Well, not quite forever, but it was clear they had a good rapport, the four of them.
After a number of hours together, outside of their homes, it was clear to one of the hermits that they could pursue an actual friendship. Hermits with friends? The hermit’s mind kind of blew wide open. That same hermit’s significant other (who is also a confirmed hermit) believed that he too could partake in a social connection with these others.
Whether or not this foursome maintains a social connection is yet to be seen. However, the lesson learned is that human beings, no matter how much they protect their privacy, no matter how much they relish their solitude, are social beings.
Thanks you, other hermit, for a most delightful evening.
Sometimes those first steps outside the comfort zone are SO hard. This made me feel good…thanks!