SHE SAID: Girl Talk

The Heart of the Matter by Judy Farrow

Whenever I find myself with a group of women, someone usually says something like, "This is great. I miss girl-talk." I always have to agree. Quality sharing woman-to-woman provides a heart-nurturing fix for many of us.

When my husband and I first stumbled hesitantly into the RVing world, we relished our time together. We talked incessantly to each other. It was wonderful to enjoy the uninterrupted closeness that is part of RV travel. Later, when we came up for air and joined other RVers attending rallies, potlucks and campfires, we both admitted we'd missed having time alone with our best friends.

We now consider that important enough to make time for. Moreover, we are not the only ones. As much as we may not want it to happen, social occasions often end up with guys in one group, gals in another. Now, don't ask me what men talk about, I haven't a clue, but show me a man with an open toolbox or raised hood, and mysteriously a group of men will materialize – a bull session in the making.

Let's face it, some of my passionate interests are not shared by my spouse and vise-versa. That's fine, but not being able to talk about those interests or concerns leaves a void. However, another woman can contribute her own interests or concerns and offer understanding. It's a form of validation – for my feelings and my worth. Wow, no wonder women miss having that experience!

RVing women often have difficulty finding other woman to talk with on more than a surface level, yet it's important to nurture friendships with women and allow them to deepen. Some of us are shy and don't feel comfortable initiating one-on-one visits with someone we'd like to know better. Some of us aren't even sure how to make or maintain connections while we are moving from place to place. Yet, woman-to-woman communication fills in a hole – that empty place yearning for some girl-talk.

Don't let that hole go unfilled! Here's a "shovel" to help:

• When visiting an RV park, sign up for crafts or other classes – women rarely work together in silence.
• Head to the Laundry Room -- clean clothes and a good meeting spot.
• Check out library bulletin boards.
• Volunteer for Potluck serving or clean up – an opportunity to connect with other volunteering women.
• If you're traveling, boondocking or "alone" with your spouse on the road use e-mail to connect with friends. Or, use the Internet, or those "unlimited" cell phone minutes. Some of my friends are great at creating a visit electronically.

So girlfriends, how do you connect on the road? Let me know how you get your "girl-talk fix" (or why you find it difficult) by e-mailing me at: rvanswers@escapees.com.

I'm looking forward to hearing from you and to expanding my women's circle!

Hugs,
Judy