Embrace the Suck: Why You Should Try to Make New Friends on Base

I schlepped into the Tiny Tots ballet class late with two preschoolers in tutus and two not-happy-to-be-here boys in tow. I hurried my girls into the class, then perched myself on the bench facing the wall of glass with the other moms to collectively observe our tiny ones twirling and pointing toes.

While settling down my boys with juice boxes and coloring books, a lady nearby struck up a conversation.

She asked where my kids attended school and I mentioned that we homeschooled.

I’ll never forget what happened next.

“You homeschool??”

An inquisitive curly head stuck out suddenly further down the row of quiet moms. At my affirmation, the woman practically elbowed her way to me!

I wasn’t sure if she was going to confront me about my educational choice or what, but what followed for the next hour (I’m sure to the annoyance of the other ladies on the bench!) was a fast-paced, somewhat loud conversation, sprinkled with lots of laughter.

Turns out she was a brand-new homeschool mom who had not met any others since her PCS move to the area. Tara and I have been friends ever since.

There are some people you happen upon, recognize you are kindred spirits, and that is that.

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Jen McDonald: Jen McDonald is an experienced editor and longtime writer for both the military spouse and homeschooling worlds. She’s been published in numerous national publications and several books, including Chicken Soup for the Soul. She and her now retired Air Force husband have lived all over the world and have four children, one who is now also serving in the Air Force. The author of the bestselling book You Are Not Alone: Encouragement for the Heart of a Military Spouse and the host of the Milspouse Matters podcast, Jen loves to encourage and connect with other military spouses at jenmcdonald.net, on Facebook at facebook.com/jenmcdonaldwriter, and on Twitter and Instagram as @jenmcdonald88
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