If you’re a person “of a certain age” (notice I didn’t say old), it’s likely you’re familiar with Reader’s Digest. Almost everyone I grew up with knows that magazine. And they always mention loving the feature “Laughter, the best medicine.”
And it’s true. Nearly every situation can be made bearable when we laugh about it. It’s specially useful to have someone to laugh with.
That’s where old friends come in. They’ve known you long enough that there’s history, and usually, a good number of hilarious stories to bring up at a dinner party. I’m lucky that I have a few friends with whom I share a backlog of hilarious events that make us laugh.
Here’s a few of my favourites:
- the Pepe Le Pew incident, where I lashed out irrationally at everyone at the table. I was suffering from a horrible sinus infection. I was not really coherent, and I shouldn’t have gone out to dinner. But it is memorable (and laughable!)
- C. didn’t look back at the giant wave coming....she headed for shore and the wave took out her bikini bottom. Everyone in the water clapped.
- At a resort we were having dinner, and there were musicians wandering serenading the tables. Someone asked for Sweet Caroline. Next thing you know, 90% of the restaurant was singing along. The milenials at the table next to us look horrified and terrified.
- One of our many dinner parties at my sister’s house. But it was the first time serving PIE for dessert. Which apparently MUST be accompanied by ice cream, according to A. When the ice cream didn’t arrive, A. had an epic temper tantrum. One for the ages.
When you collect precious memories like that, there’s nothing quite like it. And it’s even better when your girlfriends get together and someone starts the “remember that time....”
If you’re like me, your best friend lives far away. So it becomes important to stay in touch, and every once in a while pick up the phone (call or text, your choice) and remind each other of those fun times.
I’m getting older, so these days for me, it’s all about making memories. And I've made some very good ones. The best part is finally getting together with friends, and reliving those times.
And laughing until someone has an accident.