Halfway Friends

I am heading to Southern California today. I have a few friends down there but probably won't get to see them because one has a baby (so is off the hook whilst baby's still on the boob, I suppose) and the other won't meet me halfway.

He would love to see me, I am even welcome to stay at his place. But I will be about over an hour away with all the traffic (I'll be somewhere near Riverside, he's in Hollywood) and after driving to the airport (1.5 hours) waiting in the airport, flying to San Francisco, changing planes, arriving in San Diego, driving another hour or so to the conference hotel . . . he will expect me to hop in my rental car and drive up to see him. Then drive back. I have done this many times before and always enjoy my friends' company. But I feel taken advantage of.

This whole "would love to see you if you come straight to my door" stance bothers me.

I prefer it when friends meet me halfway. Because T and I travel a lot and don't mind driving, we usually end up visiting our friends. But not always vice versa. We've probably set this situation up because everyone figures we'll roll into their town eventually.

I'm having a bad friend week. (One invited me to stay at her house then lost track of time and I ended up staying at a hotel, 2 were supposed to spend the weekend with us here then canceled for a LAME reason, now this . . .) Poor little Jaynie.

So I'm taking a little blog break this week. Will return when I am fascinating. Or have something to say that doesn't come out in a whine.

Comments

[caroline]

rest up but come back soon. miss you when you're gone too long...

[Neena]

I know it was a while ago, but remember that little halfway point in Nevada we met you and T at? I'd do that again and again, AND still get nekid with you all. Plus? I will never have a baby on my boob.

Your friend(s),
Neena (and Don and Eric and Ruth)

[Jayne]

Caroline: Aww, thanks! I just need to sulk for a few days.

Neena: Hey! This is all a lead-up to a post about how wonderful it is to have friends who will drive for hours to see you . . . (but I am enjoying the self-pity for now, 'kay?)

[caroline]

girl, I'm gonna be in Boulder, Utah for a about 2 months. You want I should drive over and meet you half way? ah, hell, maybe all the way???
Neena, road trip ???

[Pops]

I can't think of a single reason why people would come to Riverside, besides those of us who already live here. Besides, you know, the relatively affordable housing. We welcome you, even if you are totally stalking us.

[Todd Elliott]

I don't have boobs, or babies. So we're good there. With my new job I'll be traveling a lot, so if you're near somewhere I am, let me know. It would be neat to meet you and your hubby.

[Shephard]

What's fascinating to me, is that I'm having similar issues with friends this very week. I think sometimes, being the bigger person doesn't show direct and immediate returns. Perhaps in the long run... the jury is still out. (HEY! I made a lawyer joke! lol)

~S :)

[Popeye]

We've got Midway Airport. I could meet you there.

[Theresa]

I thought I was the only one that ever had a "bad friend week". Sometimes it's nice just to be validated and know you aren't alone.
And just so you know, I'd drive a long way to see you if I had the chance.

[Laurie]

Where is halfway between Detroit and you? I'd love to meet you! :-)

[Jayne]

Thanks everyone! Yes, I would love to meet all of you and am happy to go on roadtrips, Boulder sounds great, even to Midway (very funny, Popeye) and no I wasn't stalking you Pops (that you can prove) and Theresa and Shephard, it's nice to know I'm not alone. And I feel better about my friend situation. I just needed to draw some personal boundaries, be clear about my feelings, communicate, etc. That really helped.