I’m Rachel Bertsche, an author and journalist, and now blogger, living in Chicago. Before moving to the Midwest, I worked at O, The Oprah Magazine for a little less than three years . In addition to O, I’ve written for publications including Marie Claire, Every Day with Rachael Ray, Teen Vogue, Fitness, More, Women’s Health, Paper, Vulture.com, Huffington Post, Chicago Magazine, Ocean Drive and Field and Stream. (Me! Field and Stream! The one about fishing and hunting. So weird, right?) My interview with Katey Sagal, aka Peg Bundy, reached #1 on CNN.com’s list of most-viewed stories of the day. (I had no idea how passionate people are about Peg. And Sons of Anarchy.) My Q&A with Vince Vaughn also reached the top 10. (This was less surprising.) I’ve written about everything from porn films to shark skin, and love diving into new subjects. Being a self-proclaimed pop culturist, I especially love writing entertainment stories. I’ve interviewed a wide range of politicians and celebrities, a Nobel Peace Prize winner and plenty of Oscar winners, including Al Gore, Yoko Ono, Hilary Swank, Tilda Swinton, Queen Latifah, James Cameron, Stephenie Meyer, Taylor Swift, Zac Efron and Emma Thompson. I graduated from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, where I was the student newspaper’s resident sex columnist. (My piece on vibrators made it onto Howard Stern. True story.)
The book about the very search I write about on this blog is available now.
For more info about me, or to see clips of my writing, check out my official website.
Also, I love hearing from you! Contact me anytime.
Just wanted to let you know that tomorrow I am hosting a book club with people I have no idea of! Hoping for someone to be a potential BFF! Love your blog…and sometime in 2012 if this club goes well I will for sure suggest your book!
Thanks Samantha! Good luck with book club. I’ve found that book clubs are one of the best places to make new, good friends. If you’re only meeting once a month it can take some time for those independent friendships to form, but it will happen. (I joined a book club almost a year ago and it took me 6 months to feel like the people were my actual friends… but now I adore them.) Have fun!
It is so funny that found your site! I moved to the chicago burbs a year ago and i keep telling my husband i need girlfriends!!! I need pedi dates, venting dates!
One morning while standing at my starbucks in downtown chicago waiting for my coffee I read a column on the red eye about the same subject. I think you may have written it, not sure. Then, yesterday I read your article that brought me here. I showed it to my husband and he said apparenty it is not so easy making friends!
It is nice to know I am not the only one in the same situation!
Good luck!!!
Have you thought of trying http://www.girlfriendcircles.com ? It’s a way to meet & make new friends it might help with ur search. I haven’t tried it but it looks promising. Good luck in your journey!
Hi Rachel,
Just stumbled onto your blog and really enjoy it! I too am looking for a BFF. My childhood and college roommate lives in FL, I live in CA. We IM every morning but it isn’t the same. And yes, we all need someone we can call or text for the lunch, pedicure, shoulder to lean on within “the next half hour”. I moved to LA 5 years ago and have found this to be one of the hardest places to meet people. It’s a lot of work! But I will persevere…I know my BFF soulmate is out there!
Lisa
Hey, hey, hey!
I just read your blog ‘New In Town, No Pals’ – haha, I LOVED it! It really made me laugh and throughout it I was like ‘OMG, yes, YES that is how I feel!’ thank you so so much for posting this! I have had so many conversations with my friends back home about this! I’m fun, granted – a bit quirky, a great friend, not unattractive or unfortunately dressed – WHY is it so hard to make friends in a new city!? I have abused my accent as a conversation starter to no avail! GONE are the days when you just had to make a bracelet and give it to someone! I have contemplated taking a walk over to Michael’s and buying the materials to try this out – it’s ridiculous! You are sooo right, it is like dating for friends – I have described it as this to my friends back home, I love that you wrote that! It’s EXHAUSTING!!! The other day I actually joined OkCupid and searched for girls hahaha – that is what i’ve been reduced to (never heard of the sites you mentioned, will check them out!). I moved to Chicago in August from Scotland. E-mail me and let me know if you want to grab a coffee or something, I think we’d really get along. Diane ps there may be a Michael’s bracelet in it for you LOL
Dear Rachel:
Thank you for taking friendships so seriously (and thank you, of course, for talking about my book in your blog). The problem really is that we, as a culture (American), don’t take friendships very seriously after college graduation so then it becomes harder to find people who actually do like you and me and others on this site. My research is on boys’ friendships but I have also been listening to girls for decades as well and they also reveal an intense desire for the type of friendships in which you can share all your secrets. So what don’t we value these relationships when we become adults? thanks again for your blog. niobe
Pingback: An Example of Contact Friends: The Friendship Circle | | Shasta's Friendship BlogShasta's Friendship Blog
Pingback: This Week: Where’s the Friend, What’s the Gift? |
So did you find her??? I just pre-ordered my book on my Kindle…in Cambodia! It is my selection for the book club I founded in June of this year. I am excited to read the book and talk about it…it is SO true that making friends as an adult is very difficult…I’ve always maintained that it is worse than dating!…oh, the awkward first home visit…what to say, where to sit, when to leave, don’t leave to early, don’t overstay your welcome, when to invite to your house…aaaccckkkk!!!! Looking forward to reading about your quest! Cheers to you and happy holidays!
Rachel,
I’m a Chicago native now living in Denver with my husband. Not only do I miss that amazing city, but all of my long time good BFFS are there still….as well as my twin sister! I’m 1/2 through your book and can’t wait to see your final conclusion… was it a mistake to move? Have you been able to find happiness in your “friend” life in Chciago? Asking becuase I hope I do in Denver…otherwise I’m moving back
Hi KC —
I know it’s been ages since you wrote this but somehow it slipped off my radar. Thank you for reading MWF Seeking BFF and I hope by now that you see that the answer is a resounding YES — I’ve found happiness for sure! — and NO! it most certainly wasn’t a mistake. I’m glad I went on the friend-finding journey I did, it’s definitely led me to feel like my life in Chicago is complete. but i don’t think I ever really felt moving was a mistake. And your move to Denver I’m sure wasn’t either — you’ll find your people! It just takes some work… Good luck! And thanks!
i started a book club today…. we are reading your book first! (-;
This is exactly the situation I’ve found myself in this year. I moved to Boston FROM Chicago (I miss it!) and am determined to meet my new BFF while wading through all the awkward moments. A friend from home recommended your book to me this morning as a motivator. Can’t wait to pick it up and be enlightened by your research!
Hi there! I just did a reading in Boston so I know there are some girls there just waiting to find their new BFF. I know you’ll find them… good luck, and thanks for reading!
Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy the book and good luck in Boston…. I’m sure you’ll find The One. Determination is all you need!
Hi Rachel,
I loved your book! Sad that I missed your signing in Highland Park. I too am a fellow New Yorker, Jewish, and went to Northwestern (but graduated way before you!). My husband and I met at NU the first month of school, got married shortly after graduation, and decided to stay in Chicago leaving my NY BFFs behind. I sure could of used your book when we made the move from Chicago to the suburbs – it was so hard! Now that I have kids, it is much easier to meet friends. But, I am still always on the lookout and your book was filled with great advice. It actually encouraged me to reach out to someone I met a few months ago. We are going out next week! Anyway, will you be doing anymore appearances in Chicago? Thanks and good luck with the book!
I just finished your book and want to thank you for inspiring me to be more assertive in trying to make new, local friends! I moved a couple years ago and haven’t made any real connections here. I asked around about local book clubs (via a message on my community’s facebook page) and now I have about 20 girls who are interested in starting one with me! I’m really excited about new friend prospects. Thank you!!
Thank YOU Erica! Hope the book club is a huge success!
Rachel,
I too just finished your book and loved it! What a relief to find that there are so many of us looking for friends…nice to know I’m not a loner. If I lived in Chicago I would totally hook up with you! But I’m in Minneapolis and am now inspired to go searching! Thanks for giving us potential BFF’s a boost!
Pingback: DESPERATELY SEEKING GIRLFRIENDS | Life and Work
Just a shout out to all of you who mentioned something about feeling like you’re the only one going through desiring more friends and/or deeper friendships — after seven years of self-employment of video production and teaching with a smidge of event-offerings, I recently made the leap to completely leave behind video and teaching due to the events taking off in such a ridiculous fashion. Due to SO MANY people expressing a desire to make authentic connections in fun, comfortable yet challenging, and unique ways, that’s now my sole focus. Connecting folk. Providing vehicles to create relationships. So, you’re not alone! It can be tough as an adult to make friends, find folk to date, network professionally in a way that’s actually beneficial and not just about shaking hands and giving out business cards… I found personally that doing things a) solo and b) that scare me has led to many wonderful relationships, and have thus adopted that thinking into my event offerings — you often HAVE to come by yourself, or be scared to participate. Good luck out there! And remember, you’re not alone.
Hi,
I just finished reading your book after hearing about it in a magazine. While friend hunting is not on my to do list I still learned a great deal from your book and feel truly inspired to make a greater effort with all of my friends. Your book has changed the way I view and value friendship and I thank you. I have recently begun blogging and mentioned your book in my latest post. If you are interested check it out: innercityexplorer@blogspot.com
Pingback: Twilight … Bossy Pants … Made to Stick … One Fifth Avenue … A Stolen Life … » Life's Impressions
I am very proud to find your book featured in the Jan. 19 – Feb. 1 edition of the Evant Star – the Evant, TX (pop. 369!) local newspaper. I have been following you (not literally) almost since the beginning of your blog and it’s fun to see you have really hit the Big Time in one of our neighboring towns! Keep up the good work,
T
Hi Rachel,
I just finished your book – read it cover to cover in 24 hours. LOVED it. Makes me appreciate my two “lifer” BFFs, as well as the girls from my book club, my “power walking buddies”, my “meet for dinner once a month friends” and so on. I hadn’t realized how I had different friend “niches” until I read your book. My BFF just called and asked if I could please pick her daughter up from daycare Thursday night – and, as you mentioned in the book, like a real BFF, there was no “I have a HUGE favor to ask”, or “I owe you!” or any other dramatic declarations. I said “sure”, and didn’t think twice. Picking up kids from time-to-time is part of the job description. Just like she and her husband keep gluten free pasta at their house so I can still eat spaghetti at our Monday night Bachelor viewings, per our long-standing tradition.Anyway, your book made me appreciate my friends even more. Still mulling over whether or not my fiance is my BFF…
LOVED THE BOOK!
I LOVE your book! Can relate so much! Peruvian, lived in Peru, got married to my husband, now I live in CA… I am half way your book and I wish it will never end!
Cheers,
Mariola
Thank you Mariola! That is so kind, and I so appreciate it. Thanks so much for reading!
Well, Rachel, I’m probably not adding anything new but that won’t stop me from commenting. I’m 50 years old and my husband and I relocated to Portland 3 years ago. I worked for a company of straight conservative white men up until being laid off a year ago so the opportunities to meet women have not appeared. It bothered me enough that I wrote a post for my blog called MWF Seeks BFF. Someone reading it emailed me about your book which I promptly purchased and devoured.
I guess I have to consider myself lucky because when I was your age I made friends everywhere I went- maybe because I worked in retail? It’s only this last move that my mojo died.
BTW: Despite our vast age difference we would be BFFs- I eat books (I’m a librarian), have TMZ bookmarked, watch reality TV…and well, any other number of similarities that would make us both laugh. Which, as you said, is one of the KEY ingredients in a friend.
I just finished your book, and wanted to share that my dad also died of multiple myeloma. He was diagnosed in July 2006, and died in April 2007. It is rare to find anyone who has even heard of it; most people we mention it to say, “melanoma?”. Just curious, was your dad in Vietnam; mine was. He was career Air Force, and we moved a lot. Some military kids learn to make friends really easily, but I am one for whom it seemed to get harder and harder the older I got. I’ve never had a BFF; I’m terribly shy and have social anxiety, but your book gives me hope that maybe I could turn some acquaintances into real friends. Thank you!
Hi Sandra,
I know what you mean about being shy and having social anxiety. It makes me so nervous and I am really bad to cancel on things or always say no when asked because I get so nervous as the time approaches. I have never had a truly BFF in a long time and I don’t know if I ever will but we must try I guess. My dad died in 2006 of cancer. Not of myeloma but a different kind. It is so hard !!
Hang in there!
Hi Rachel,
I read about your book in the Tribune and immediately ordered it. I am halfway through (reading on the treadmill each morning) and wanted to tell you that just knowing there are other women who are searching for a BFF is a comfort to me. My situation is a bit different as I’ve had some terrific BFFs through the years but every single one of them has moved away, retired and moved, or divorced and drifted for some inexplicable reason. I have a wonderful friend in the far western suburbs who I’ve literally known for almost 40 years, but she is a bit too far to call up and meet for a last minute lunch date. My small group has provided 3 good friends but all of them already had a close circle on long-time friends and really don’t have space for a new BFF.
I’ve had nice conversations with women at the gym, the farmers market, etc. I can talk to anyone, anywhere and yet I am finding it very difficult to take the next step. I hope your book will ultimately help me have the courage to follow-up on a promising encounter.
Thanks for writing your book!
Hi Rachel. Your book is so awesome and I can relate to all you say!! I laugh out loud while I am so relieved that I am not the only one out there that thinks and goes through these things. I really had convinced myself that something was wrong with me until I read your book!! I wish I could meet you and be friends!! But, I will take what you have shared and apply it the best I can. Thanks for writing the book!
Rachel,
I am a recent Chicago transplant from Ohio. I have lived in Chicago about a year and a half, and I moved here with my fiancé. One of my BFFs in Ohio bought me your book and gave it to me today. It is inspiring to read and I am enjoying your journey to finding a new BFF. I have a couple, 2 exactly, casual friends in Chicago, but hope to find a BFF here. Not having a BFF in Chicago has definitely been one of the hardest parts about the change. Thank you for doing this project and sharing it! I can’t wait to find out your end results and to use some of your strategies to find my new BFF!
Pingback: Happiness and Best Friends | Lucille Zimmerman
Living in Alaska I have to constantly make new friends. I have been here for a decade but most people move quite often (dark, cold winters). It’s hard to make friends, let alone find BFFs when you know most of them will move away in a couple years.
I’ve been reading your book for the past three days and I love it! I’ve never belonged to a book club. Maybe it’s time I start one!
Yes! Book clubs are the best. And you can read MWF Seeking BFF, to get the friendships started!
I just recently bought your book, MWF seeking BFF, and it makes me wish I could audition for your new bff. My best friend in the entire world recently died and I’m so lost without her. But your book gives me hope and makes me giggle a lot lately! Thank-you for writing this quirky fun story about your life. I am also a journalism major and have found myself highlighting so many lines in your book that sound just like something I would say! If you ever find yourself in southern Illinois (you know the other part of the state, Chicago should be its own state. We are not all from Chicago already, just because I said Illinois doesn’t mean I automatically live in the windy city,) we should do lunch or something!
I just found your blog by way of the WordPress email (tips). I admire what you have accomplished and found inspiration in your story. I have recently started a very personal blog and hope to touch and inspire other women who share similar experiences. Kudos to you, Rachel! I am in need of a new book and I think I just found it
Tina
http://www.onemomsbattle.com
Very interesting Rachel, best of luck to you!
that’s great. best live for you.
I am new here, and got a link to your blog from WordPress’s story about you. Lately more than ever in my life, I have been evaluating my friendships. Having moved from my home island to attend Univ here in the US has been a major emotional journey and has definitely created a grand void. I miss friends. Then, I realize like I have for a while back that most of my friends live abroad, away from me, far away. Your blog has a perspective here for me, and I think I need to read on.
Thank you for sharing your heart with the world.
All the other kids …
Both your blog and book are an inspiration to me. Thanks for sharing your great skills with the planet!
Mr. Bricks
I just got the article from WordPress.com News about
Bestselling Author Shares 3 Tips for Building Your Blog Audience and clicked on your blog…..I love it! I had never heard of this book or your blog so I was so happy to come across it. I have trouble making friends myself (my sister can walk in the room and have women and men falling at her feet within seconds….how does she do that??) so I am looking forward to reading your book and your blog!!!
Thanks so much
Jena
Great read. Curious what you think about men and women being friends? I’m trying to figure out how to be the best friend I can to a hell of a lot of women right now, and I’m pretty sure I’m screwing it up all over the place. Any advice is welcome!
Prometheus
www,whycantwomencookanymore.wordpress.com
Sent you and email already Rachel. As an afterthought I got to thinking that your pic reminded me of one of the dancers on Riverdance. Any chance it could be you? Anyway when I get some more time I will look into your book some more. BTW I am a WDM and not looking for any relationship. Just thought your topic was very interesting and educational. Well done. TC C. F.
Your article has helped me to keep on trying with new ideas, patiently learn the new knowledge about Internet technology in which I am still struggling. But there is hope to achieve the the goal.
Your support and the wordpress. team are doing great job to help me out.
thanks.
gyanendra mocktan
Thank you for your tips on building a blog audience…I focused so much on starting to write that I did not even consider checking out other blogs and connecting through the community.
Rachel,
—I would love to interview sometime for my blog.
My readers would absolutely LOoooVE you.
btw, Peg is my fave character on Sons….I tweeted her for an interview, but she never tweeted back ! X
Hi Rachel,
I just finished your book while recovering from back surgery. I enjoyed your social friending mission vicariously so much that I can’t wait to feel better and meet some new friends of my own. Thanks for the great book and the inspiration!
Melanie
Thanks for the inspiration, Rachel. I am going to share you book wth my girls (12 and 15). One is extremely social and the other not so much. Maybe we all can find a happy medium. Congraulations on your success!
Hi very new to this blog site and way of communicating with others. But it interesting to come across your blog and see that you began to share in your quests for friendships. It intrigued me because I am in the zone of wanting to make more though especially male friendships but also female. I have only just began reading about you and your life, so have not read your book or followed your every happenings but am curious to research more, and get better acquainted with who you are and the various people’s lives you have touched. So a quick hello. I name is Kevin like being called Kev. Am very happily married to my wife Ilona. Enjoy writing poetry creating songs, singing and enjoy movies and just listening and meeting other people. Hoping to learn a little about you and perhaps learn the art creating good friendships.
Take care
Kev
Pingback: Je cède ma place ~ 3 « Anne Jutras, Photographe
OMG Rachel it was so meant to be when I stumbled upon your book. I saw it advertised on a magazine on an airline and it just described perfectly what my fears were! I was just moving to Chicago to move with my boyfriend, (Ive lived all my life in Florida) and I was so concerned over the difficulties of meeting new friends. And your book has inspired me! Im a month into living here in Chicago (friendless of course!), but Ive sign up to girlfriendcircles.com, im excited! Thankyou for sharing your experience, one that most woman I feel can relate to! -Jexenia Gonzalez
I love your writing and I LOVE the subject of this blog and its content. I love my BFFs (which I really think should be BFsF, as “friend” is pluralized, and not “forever”. There is no such thing as a plural forever-but that’s my inner stickler speaking.) Truly, this subject fascinates me, and I’m so glad not to be alone in that.
My friends and I are starting a book club and you are our first book selected. It is fitting for all of us as we have all moved from other countries, cities, continents even and have managed to find each other. While we are not all BFF’s we are definitely friends and completely understand why you took on the BFF search.
Hi Rachel,
I love your blog idea on finding a best friend. I have to spend an afternoon reading it as the idea sounds so familiar to the advice I gave my daughter when she was away at university. Sans the internet, as I had no idea how it all worked. I advised her to contact two people a week and make a ‘date’ of sorts with them, shopping, cooking, crafting (lame yes however I’m a mom and we tend to fall back on old school ideas) lol.
She was lonely and needed a boost. It worked out for her, and I’m sure she will enjoy reading your blog.
She now lives in Spain, is working as a language teacher, and is developing a new business with her Spanish boyfriend. I believe she will enjoy your blog even more today, and I hope use some of your suggestions.
As for me, I love your writing
Thanks for sharing your life stories… Shauna
I am so glad to have discovered your book! I bought it at the Miami airport leg of my journey from Denver to Rio de Janeiro and I couldn’t put it down. I’m leaving my close group of BFFs to start a life in a new country with my fiance and this book is just the kick in the pants I need to feel confident about reaching out to new potential besties. Thanks for the insight and laughs!
Hi Rachel – I am absolutely in love with your book. I can’t seem to put it down. I keep relating everything to my life (and you have no idea, how much of it is exactly the same!). I recently moved to Delaware, with my fiance, because neither of us wanted to move to where the other was originally living (around the NYC area). I’ve been here for about a year and haven’t made any new friends, that could substitute for my friends from NY/Boston. I just recently turned 25, and coincidentally, found your book at B&N the same weekend. Think I’m going to start my own 52 weeks of girl dating. A Saturday morning brunch, a week day movie, and happy hours sound so good! Thanks for the great step-by-step guide, witty stories, and affirmation that I’m not the only one out there in a “lack-of-BFF” situation.
Pingback: [Weekend Journal] Women Need Two Things: Fat And Friends! « Country Music News, Artists, Interviews – US99.5
And I stumbled upon your site…
I have wanted to start a Blog, but had no idea as to how go about getting started. But I can happily tell you this much… When you Google “wordpress blogging tips” a link to your article I found on page 1 was incredibly helpful, in many ways. I haven’t even begun blogging yet, but I’ve read, seen, and heard enough to know WordPress was the place to start. Haven’t even signed up yet, but the combination of common sense, savvy writing style, unbridled honesty, and just funny enough (without trying too hard, which is my personal pet peeve about “certain bloggers” **wink, wink**) to make me want to actually “follow” someone…!
Your writing style reminds me of… Me! I’m not boot-licking, with the hope that “I’ll hear back from a REAL author…! And she’s actually pretty good too…”
I just wanted to thank you for finally making me “take the plunge”! I’m going to finish my work (refocus) and then spend a few hours figuring out how to “get my blog on”… Dare I say, I think that sounds cool? I may have earned my Geek Badge with that one.
I’ve only read a few pieces by you, but as a man who let’s say is “closer to 50 than forty” – I find your writing style fresh and occasionally even DARING. I rarely use that word when describing someone’s writing style, but yours is playful and thought provoking. If someone writes something, anything, even a story about a woman who “moves to Chicago, and a few years later….” that is so entertaining that you value their opinion about their personal approach on a completely different subject… You owe them acknowlegment.
Thank You Rachel…! You’ve been my personal “straw that broke a non-bloggers back”… Once I get things going, I hope to let you know and maybe even show off a bit! Don’t know if you have children, but when I say “show off”, I mean in the same vein of thinking when your 8 year old makes you a hideous clay “thing” and when they show you, you gawk in shock and awe… and say “It’s beautiful…!”
I look forward to reading more. Might even have to “buy the book”… Yay YOU…! Again… Thank you.
David N.
Pingback: Let’s Pretend This Never Happened « Books and Nooks
Wow, you have a fabulous story! I’d love to hear about some of your crazy experiences and tricks of the trade
Pingback: MWF Seeking BFF: My Yearlong Search For a New Bestfriend | ReadRose
hi Rachel!
this is Savannah from Miami. i’m so glad i stumbled upon your blog! i just finished your book yesterday and i loved it. my dads girlfriend lent it to me on the plane because we were on our way to Greece. she bought the book not only because someone recommended it to her, but because she also wants to make new friends since she came to Miami about nine months ago. she hasn’t read it yet because she hasn’t had the time, but i had a ton of fun reading it, i was absolutely glued to it (i fell asleep with the book in my hand almost every night). i’m very excited for her to read it because i think this is exactly what she needs, so thank you very much for writing this book! (i hope you found some lifers along the way)
-Savi
Hi Rachel~!
I look forward to reading this book.
This is Gina from Korea,once we meet in HongKong with your friend Jesse.
What a small world
Take good care.
-Gina
Hi Rachel,
I wanted to visit your site in hopes of being able to tell you how much I love your book! I am a school counselor by day and a full time doctoral student (also by day). I’m juggling work, school, husband, kids, and BFFs have sadly fallen by the wayside. However, your book has inspired me to spend more time reaching out to my potential BFFs along with my “lifers”. I was looking for a fun summer read, which your book definitely is, but it is also inspiring me to spend some of my summer investing in friendship. I love the research on friendship!
Natalie
Thank you Natalie! I so appreciate you reading MWF, and your kind words… Happy Summer!
Hey! Your book is awesome (so far). I am about halfway through and find you almost completely responsible for my total failure to read the assigned chapters for my grad school classes – I’m a teacher so.. I hope you’re happy. At least I can give friendship tips to Chicago’s youth. I think you may want to take a peek at this article. The man has painted his home with polka dots and his neighbors are peeved – I think he read the book too.
http://shine.yahoo.com/decorating/polka-dot-house-next-door-awesome-eyesore-192900594.html
Thanks for the great read!
Erin P – Are you part sasquatch, like me? I have frlhiksaey large feet. I’m serious. They are FREAKISHLY large. I wear a 10 1/2- 11WW. The only thing these bricks are good for are unintentionally tripping unwitting passersby, and making it damn near impossible to find footwear in any way, shape or form. The last time I purchased real shoes (by which I mean NOT Men’s footwear) for myself was for my wedding 3 years ago, when I had to resort to wearing New Balance slip on sneakers underneath my dress because the TWO pairs of low heels I had ordered in my size from the dress shop and Zappos.com didn’t fit.I’d probably consider a career in wine making if they still did it the old fashioned way. If Lucy could do it, why not me?
http://miriamspia.wordpress.com/ http://UranianFiction.com – I don’t even know whether or not it is case sensitive. Hope that public event went well. I am prepping to take myself around to sign and sell copies of the books as well. At least, I hope so.
Hi Rachel! I just moved to Chicago for my husband, and my BFF at home gave me your book to read! It’s making me feel so much better already. Now I feel like I need to go try out all of your suggestions and have some friend dates. I only know a few girls here, all through my husband! Hope you’re having a fun, friendly summer!
Pingback: On friendship « Liz White
Pingback: Books we wish were movies (so we could eat popcorn while watching them)
Hi Rachel,
I just finished reading your book in less then a day! I couldn’t put it down and have already recommended to a couple of friends and my sister in law. I know you must hear it all the time, but thank you for putting into words how many of us feel all the time. Although it might not be the same circumstances that lead us to search for more friends, it’s good to know it happens to everyone!
Any Boston book signings coming up?
Thanks Sarah! I so appreciate you reading MWF and spreading the word! I don’t have any signings in the works for Boston, but I’ll definitely let you know if any come up! Thanks so much.
Rachel
Pingback: The Internet Matchmaker | not just an Other
Oh my gosh, I picked up this book from Target and am hooked. I googled the book and you have a blog… you’re real! Love the book and can totally relate, thanks and look forward to reading more from your blog!
Love the book. I wish I could implement some of your strategies but I live in town that has few of the activities you used. I live in my hometown and I have NO friends. Not a one. Married, Married and had kids or Ended it. I don’t have any idea where to go from here. Anyway. Any change of a sequel?
Hi Rachel! I love your blog and although I am sure you can’t get to all of your comments being such a busy lady, I just wanted to let you know that I have passed this award on to you: http://unabashedlypoetic.wordpress.com/2013/01/15/2012-blog-of-the-year/
Hi Rachel..thank you for your lovely and “friendly” blog!
Reading your book right now (totally in love, btw) and *just* realized that this was your real life! Love that you are so honest about everything, I totally agree with everything you say about how we shouldn’t be ashamed to admit we need to make more friends, even though I can’t admit that I would do that on my own free will. Even though I am still a senior in high school and friend-making isn’t entirely difficult, your book has been a huge inspiration to me. I have made an effort to start calling my friends. Yes. *Call* not text! (gasp) I’m a horribly awkward phone talker but have slowly improved. Being able to have a great talk with one of my friends that can be done in the real time of a phone call is important to me…a texting conversation has sadly even caused the end of one of my friendships (part of what motivated me to become more of a phone talker). Also, you have seriously brought me to the light with the whole importance of friends in almost a science-y way. Also in a business way. You have really inspired me to be friendly and sociable to everyone. You never know who is someday gonna be your boss! Sorry for the super long comment, but I just basically wanted to let you know how much I appreciate your writing.
P.S. Irrelevant, but I guess I might as well make this comment even longer, why the heck not! I live around Chicago, which is what drew me to your book and I loved knowing all the little places you mentioned!!
Thanks Casey!! This comment makes me so happy. I know high school is all about texting these days, so I’m thrilled to hear I’ve helped you make a push toward the phone!!
Pingback: Hello blog – Long time no see! | blog
You need to check out Craigslist Strictly Platonic section. It might help.
Also, try interviewing people (people like me) who have spent some time on it “making friends”. I’ve met 40 or so women on there over the course of 10 years or so. At one point I became addicted to it.
So I of course relate to your frustrations with friendship and think your blog is brilliant (just found it today) because I think friendship is under-discussed.
Apparently, as people get older, it becomes harder to find “best friends”.
And it isn’t just big cities making people more disposable- the internet is too… in both good and bad ways. “Moving on” is sometimes necessary when your “friend” is acting more like a frienemy.
I just finished MWF in 2 days and loved it! Can’r recommend it highly enough to others. My friend is married and living in Chicago and had the same struggles, when I told her about the book she said “why didn’t I write that first?!”
Luckily through my own struggles I found incredible luck with meetup.com there have been some true bestfriendships (as well as I think 12 marriages so far) from the groups I have joined since 2008.
As someone who travels the world I constantly have to make new friends and the relationships feel so deep, being connected in a quick time by being the only two native English speakers for 100 miles, but years later only a few remain warm.
I really enjoyed the social science parts of the book – it gave me a lot to think about. Thanks so much for writing it, and doing a great job with the topic!