Elizabeth G.: BFF and Beyond

Since Mother's Day was just this past weekend, I was originally going to call this blog "Mama said . . ." It was going to be filled with words of wisdom and sage advice I remember getting from my mother through the years. But a quick sampling of those long-ago tidbits (posted below) convinced me I needed to go in a slightly different direction.

Those maternal words included:

"Stand up tall, Suzy. Be proud to be tall." (As you know, my maiden name is Suzanne Simmons. I also passed my mother in height when I was eleven years old.)

"It would look odd for a tall girl to have small feet. Your feet are perfect for your height." (I wore a 9 AAA shoe by the age of twelve.)

"You're smart and talented and beautiful." (Words only a mother can get away with when you feel like you're a bungling and gawky teenager who hasn't grown into her own skin yet in any way, shape or form.)

Still, I miss hearing those sweet words of wisdom from my mother, even if they were mostly hooey at the time. That's where my BFF come into the picture. (Best Friends Forever.) We've recently blogged here at RWQ about the people we whine to, the people we can count on when the going gets rough/tough, and the friendships we consider priceless. I also believe as life goes on we women tend to "mother" each other with words of wisdom and encouragement, sound advice, and, yes, with love.

Last night at bedtime I watched a couple of minutes of an entertainment "news" show. I was simultaneously dumbfounded, amused, and horrified. Apparently Paris Hilton is going to launch a new reality show in which she searches for/interviews young women in the hopes of finding a new BFF. (I admit I laughed out loud and then turned the channel to Charlie Rose. :)

My BFF either married into the family (my sister-in-law), or was my neighbor four cities/corporate moves ago, or are writers I met through other writers or at conferences. And, yes, they offer advice and words of wisdom. Here's a sampling:

"Drink a glass of red wine in the evening. It may lower your blood pressure."

"That scene was brilliant." (One BFF's reaction when I read a few paragraphs to her over the telephone.)

"If it doesn't work, cut the damned scene, Sue." (LOLOLOL Okay, this wasn't a recent bit of imparted wisdom, but one a certain Quill has given me numerous times over the years.)

"I love you as a blonde."

"You look thinner. Have you lost weight?" (One of my personal favorites.)

"You don't look a day older than when I met you twenty years ago. (Also, a personal favorite.)

Which all goes to prove what great "mother substitutes" BFF can be! My love and thanks to each and every one of them!

What words of wisdom/sage advice, true or not, do you hear from or give to your BFF?

Have a merry month of May,
EG