As a way of easing into my birthday, I invited people to ask me questions about myself.? I received a few emails and a lot of comment questions.? The offer stands until my birthday next Friday.? If you want to know something or are curious about anything about me or my life – fire away.? I’ll answer all questions in the month of February. Remember – if it’s a question about a specific person?? Please email.
I wanted to start with Janet‘s question because I think it explains a bit about me that will make later answers make sense.
Janet asked: “What is your best friend like and why is she or he your best friend?”
One of the truths about me is that I am an intensely private person.? I know a lot of people.? I have a lot of friends.? In fact, I have so many friends that many people find it hard to believe what is also true about me: I am fairly shy.
I am a shy socialite.
So while a lot of people know me or know about me, there are few people who know me well.
(You’ll notice that most of the long questions are asked by people who actually know me.? They know that the offer to ask me questions is rare and limited one.)
That said.
My best friend is someone who has known me for over thirty years.? We met in high school orchestra and have remained friends ever since.? He is smart, funny, loyal, and interested in the same issues that I am interested in.
One of the hallmarks of our relationship is its consistency even over periods of disconnect or separation.? We’ve gone years with only a Christmas card or Birthday card as way of connecting.? Then there are years, such as the last two or three years, where we talk every week.? The feelings of closeness don’t diminish over time and space.
He is responsible for some significant transitions in my life.
- He went to UC Berkeley and encouraged me to transfer there from a small college where I was the sore thumb.
- He helped me get a good paying job at Berkeley.
- He brow beat, made jokes, manipulated, and finally insisted that I should not, would not, could not go to medical school.
- He didn’t like my boyfriend so rather than get in the way, he just disappeared, thus making his disdain apparent.? This was one of the pushes I needed to get out of that relationship.
- He teased me about not having email at our birthdays in 1996.? We got online within a month.
Mostly he’s known me for a long, long time.? He knows my family and calls them “the vortex of insanity.”? He has met almost all the players in my early life and I’ve spent time with his primary family.? Our birthdays are one year and one day apart.? (He’s older if you are keeping track.)
All of that said, we are very different people.? We have different relationship styles which rub against each other.? He struggles to understand things that are important to me.? And frankly, he likes Apple computer products (form over function).? He doesn’t like my writing – he thinks it’s too commercial, not intellectual enough.
Still, we are best friends.
And of course, my other best friend in D.? He’s also smart, funny, honest and loyal.? But I’ve gushed about him before.
Keep the questions coming.? This offer ends next Friday.
Hey, great post! I like to post about friendship too, and can totally relate. This guy is the same sign…that sometimes says it all to me!
Changed my name, blog design & avatar (did I already tell you
) come by and check it out when you can. And, don’t forget to change my name — I see old name over there *hugs*
Sounds like a smashingly amazing friend to me. =o) As for being a shy socialite, maybe helping people around you feel more at ease and comfortable allows you to forget your shyness, kill the awkwardness and therefore, make a friend. =o)
a lovely answer, Claudia
Does he call himself something beginning with the letter “B?” Anyone who calls ones family the vortex of insanity is a friend of mine.
It’s wonderful to know more about you.
I’m a sociable shy person, too.
Here is my question: Why does your blog hate me? I have to type in my information Evedry Single Time *sob*
Sigh… “EVERY” single time, is what that should read.
And I just had to do it again!
I can’t escape the cycle!
Claudia, that’s very interesting. I sort of had a feeling you were a “shy socialite”. I am like that too.
I have a question. How did you get started in your current profession? I am still enjoying the fruits of your labor, by the way. Yum!
Rhonda – Hurray for moving on. I’m excited to read more of your memoir!
Christy – I think that’s some of it. I’m also (as you know) incredibly nosey and don’t think I’m all that interesting. So, I listen to people ask question – but say little about myself. Huh.
Janet – Thanks for asking!
Fabbie – I need a template update. This template was made in the darkages of word press. My nerdiest friend isn’t sure how to fix it so I either change templates or… or… Any suggestions?
Josie – It’s interesting because I really admire your capacity to write so honestly about yourself. It’s something I’ve never been able to do! Good to as the novels are about real characters not fictionalized anyone.
love it! i should write about my long time friend, too. i’ve had a post in teh works since forever. time to follow through!