The Midlife Nurse

So I have the most incredible network of female friends. Some of whom would be unlikely to get on with each other, were they to meet without the common denominator – me. But individually they bring an emmense wealth to my table. They are wonderful and each are irreplaceable. A few (like Wendy) will always take my side. Others like the Lisa’s (there are a few) will try to rationalise with me before accepting it’s not worth it, 😂 and hug me anyway and then there’s those (Jenny, for instance) who will tell me I’m a twat but will still rock up unannounced on the doorstep with my fave chocolates. And a weeks shopping. Oh and wine. They all have that in common too. Wine.

Anyway my point is all my female friends are undyingly devoted and loyal if you know what I mean, but incredibly biased.

So where do male friends come in? if at all? Well. I have a number of these. Some attached and some not. Golden rule….. if your wife doesn’t know, it ain’t happening. I have group chats with some, including partners, some I see little of and miss and others who are always lurking 😂 but the bottom line is guys offer a certain type of friendship. One that’s blunt, honest, truthful and a very alternative perspective in contrast to women. I totally value these – take H for instance. Now he’s a challenge 🙄. Sometimes. In the most endearing way possible. But do I trust his judgement? Yes. Would I ask his advice or call him if either I or my children needed immediate help? Yes. For sure. FOR SURE. 20 years of laughs, tears, awkwardness, honesty and crème brûlées (he cooks. Like a god). Then there’s P. He texts me everyday if I’m out of sorts. To check on me. He’s fabulous. Has no clue how to advise on men though 😂😂😂 sits on the fence. Seriously annoying mind you, but weirdly enough it seems my female friends are better than him at testosterone problems!!! The guys boost my confidence without being flirtatious or inappropriate, but my married guy friends are able to offer better advice because their wives most likely know what’s up with me and wind the guys in to give a balanced approach! But all in all having both in the mix of male and female is a blessing and usually very grounding. Every woman should have a flurry of male friends, even if they do belong to someone else. Unless you’ve had sex together. Then it’ll never work. Ever. Oh and …… Unless you’re menopausal. Then no one can help. No one.