The longer I am alive, and living as an independent adult (who also happens to be self-employed, aka has no coworkers) in America… the more I wonder what life would look like in a culture where you live with family longer, where “aunties” invite you in randomly for dinner, where evenings are spent around a fire or teapot with friends rather than at home on our iPhones. Maybe I’m just a dreamer, or an idealist, or just sometimes a sad black cat. ;) But, I will say that I am increasingly thankful for the friends (families, couples, and singles) who have continued to fight for friendship with me. Some live across oceans, others state lines, and some just 15 minutes away (which still feels too far!!). But, I really stop and say a prayer of thanks after a dinner over at the T’s house, or drinks out with A, or when E makes time to drive by my place and stop for an hour or two on her way through my state.
If you’re not sure how to care for the single adults in your life, I put together an idea list! Most of these are really just ways I know that I’d receive love well… but I’m sure some others would agree. And I would LOVE to have more ideas, so please leave a comment with what blessed you as a single, or ways you’d feel cared for!
1. Invite them over for dinner with your family
2. Take them on a “date” night (as friends, obviously!) … but plan a fun night you know they’ll enjoy (like dinner, drinks, a show, trivia, etc)
3. Buy them flowers (even for guys!)
4. Plan a birthday celebration for them, since they don’t have a SO to do that (and it’s likely they don’t have family to do so, either)
5. Take a trip together- either a full vacation (I would LOVE to go to Disney with my friends, kids or no!) or just a weekend trip to the mountains or lake, for fun
6. Initiate a sleepover (appropriately of course lol)… because I think a night staying up talking, drinking wine, watching rom coms, and the waking up to waffles sounds WONDERFUL, even thought I’m way past 13!
7. If they’re open to it, take photos and videos of them (candid or otherwise). I rarely have those taken of me unless I ask cuz I ain’t got no Instagram Husband.
8. Serve them the way your partner serves you!
9. Just be there for them. Initiate, invite yourself into their life and vice versa.
10. Ask them if they need help to accomplish anything, and see how you can support them in that.
