Hi Reader...

I had just landed in NYC…super excited and ready for a fun vacation.

After I got settled into my hotel...I was starving.

I looked in the mirror.

Disheveled hair. Yoga pants. Flip flops.

I thought about just ordering take-out…

But changed my mind, because I wanted good Italian food.

Besides I thought…who’s going to see me?

When I got to the restaurant it was packed.

There was one empty seat at the bar, right between a man and a woman.

The man was there with a friend. The woman was flying solo, just like me.

As I was reading the menu, I couldn’t decide what to order.

Everything looked delicious.

So I asked the guy next to me what he ordered.

He couldn’t stop raving about it. So I ordered the same thing.

When my pasta came, the woman on my other side turned and said…

"I hope that's all you got. Because they give huge portions...you won't be able to finish it all.”

I laughed and told her, watch me.

And that's how it started.

We ended up talking for hours…girl talk.

About both being entrepreneurs. Her boyfriend. Living in NYC.

Real conversation…and real connection.

No one would have ever guessed that we just met.

It was like we were friends for years.

When the bill came, Kimberly offered to buy my dinner.

I thanked her, but told her she didn’t have to do that.

Instead I suggested…”let's exchange numbers and get together again next time I'm in town."

She agreed.

Or so I thought.

While I wasn't looking...she signaled the bartender and paid for my dinner anyway.

She smiled and said, "when someone wants to give you something, you have to accept it."

I laughed…and thanked her.

Just a few hours ago…

I had walked into the restaurant just wanting a good dinner.

And to my surprise, I walked out with a new friend.

Here's why I'm telling you this…

None of it would have happened if I'd stayed in my hotel room that night.

I didn't want to put on a nice outfit, fix my hair or makeup.

I just went out, as is.

And I opened myself to a conversation.

That one conversation turned into a real connection.

And a new friend.

So next time you're out on your own…

Go out imperfect. Just show up.

And don’t be shy…talk to a stranger.

Because that stranger just might become your new friend.

And aways remember…life is better when you share it with friends.

With love,

Suzanne
Life Coach for Women in Midlife

P.S. Don't know where to start when it comes to making new friends?

My free eBook, "It's Never Too Late to Make New Friends in Midlife," is a great place to begin.

Grab your copy here => https://suzanneoshima.com/friends-ebook/​