Really excellent read, I have to concur with Thad. Definitely touched a nerve (in a good way) and stimulated some great reflections on the veracity of the importance of friendship. Very interestingly, during the Covid period, I realized that I no longer had any really good close friends, and hadn’t for quite some time, and had submersed and possibly isolated myself perhaps too deeply in the relationship with my wife/partner/soulmate to the exclusion of true friendships with others (which are of course completely different animal).
Serendipitously at about the same time a couple years ago, I reconnected within several months with two old friends I had not spoken to, or talked to, in decades, one male and one female. Both of these friendships have since flourished anew as if there had been no gap (and even deepened) and subsequently, I have found a couple others (that sort of magically, or serendipitously, if I may use that word again) arose through the same avenue written about here, mainly the #watchfam!
I must add I’m looking forward to reading Shelby‘s book as well and I will be looking for it eagerly! Another of the people I have connected with through this little hobby, by the way!
Bruce - Your friends are lucky to have you. You’re a special human, and this isn’t an age joke, but “they don’t make em like they did in your time!” - and I’m talking about values and so on. For what it’s worth, it’s probably better that you had a “friend cleanse” and reset the time with your partner… especially given the restrictions during the pandemic.
Serendipity is a superb word - first heard about it when that movie came out; and I’ve loved the word ever since.
Bruce, having a good partner makes it difficult sometimes eh? It's totally unfair of course, but I'm always questioning why spend time with someone else when my partner is so awesome and I value spending time with them above all else. This has certainly cost me with regards to developing and maintaining other relationships. I've not figured out how to solve this issue for myself, but working on it.
For posterity, I think it is worth repeating one thing from the conversation we had earlier... ONE person can never fulfil ALL your needs perfectly and completely... and making compromises in your own needs, is a disservice to yourself, as well as your partner - the best version of yourself is one with ALL needs met, despite some being met by other sources.
Fortunately it’s an ongoing process and journey and not a destination….. awareness is the first step ……here’s to the rest of the trip! (For all of us) 🥂
Great article, the friendships and connections both my wife and I have made because of watches has never ceased to amaze me. It’s led to many wonderful people entering our life and us getting to part of theirs. Including some fun conversations with collectors I’ve never met either but we shared a common bond in horology. Well done.
I have missed few of your newsletter lately cause it’s completely hectic at work at the moment. But when I saw the title of this one I said to myself I need to read it later this week. And as always you deliver, but this one hits different and resonates with me.
« These are people I can turn to for unfiltered and unbiased counsel, free from judgement » you know you are that friend and I value a lot your time and unbiased counsel!
What a special read. You are a most kind friend. Thank you Flum! 🙏🏾👊🏾👑
Anytime brother, wish you all the best with the launch and beyond 👊
👊🏾🙏🏾
Really excellent read, I have to concur with Thad. Definitely touched a nerve (in a good way) and stimulated some great reflections on the veracity of the importance of friendship. Very interestingly, during the Covid period, I realized that I no longer had any really good close friends, and hadn’t for quite some time, and had submersed and possibly isolated myself perhaps too deeply in the relationship with my wife/partner/soulmate to the exclusion of true friendships with others (which are of course completely different animal).
Serendipitously at about the same time a couple years ago, I reconnected within several months with two old friends I had not spoken to, or talked to, in decades, one male and one female. Both of these friendships have since flourished anew as if there had been no gap (and even deepened) and subsequently, I have found a couple others (that sort of magically, or serendipitously, if I may use that word again) arose through the same avenue written about here, mainly the #watchfam!
I must add I’m looking forward to reading Shelby‘s book as well and I will be looking for it eagerly! Another of the people I have connected with through this little hobby, by the way!
I appreciate you! “We” appreciate you!
🙏🏼🫡☝🏼
Bruce - Your friends are lucky to have you. You’re a special human, and this isn’t an age joke, but “they don’t make em like they did in your time!” - and I’m talking about values and so on. For what it’s worth, it’s probably better that you had a “friend cleanse” and reset the time with your partner… especially given the restrictions during the pandemic.
Serendipity is a superb word - first heard about it when that movie came out; and I’ve loved the word ever since.
Anyway, I appreciate you too 👊
Bruce, having a good partner makes it difficult sometimes eh? It's totally unfair of course, but I'm always questioning why spend time with someone else when my partner is so awesome and I value spending time with them above all else. This has certainly cost me with regards to developing and maintaining other relationships. I've not figured out how to solve this issue for myself, but working on it.
For posterity, I think it is worth repeating one thing from the conversation we had earlier... ONE person can never fulfil ALL your needs perfectly and completely... and making compromises in your own needs, is a disservice to yourself, as well as your partner - the best version of yourself is one with ALL needs met, despite some being met by other sources.
Does the misses know you're unfaithful?
??
"ONE person can never fulfil ALL your needs perfectly and completely"
I think Saeed make little joke, no?
Yeah, we carried on the “joke” over WhatsApp. 😂
‼️💯
Fortunately it’s an ongoing process and journey and not a destination….. awareness is the first step ……here’s to the rest of the trip! (For all of us) 🥂
This is your best writing to date, really enjoyed it.
Wow, that’s a serious take! Thank you 🙏 … given it’s a significant departure from the usual tone, I’m now concerned 😂
Nah man, don't sweat it. Just a nice topic that was well written.
One day I’ll make that a habit… working on it 😁🥂🙏
😜🤣☝🏼
Agree 100%. This one hit on many levels.
Cheers malaka 🙌
Great article, the friendships and connections both my wife and I have made because of watches has never ceased to amaze me. It’s led to many wonderful people entering our life and us getting to part of theirs. Including some fun conversations with collectors I’ve never met either but we shared a common bond in horology. Well done.
I am catching up on everything I missed this week - thanks so much for taking the time to reply. Appreciated.
RTA ROOTS
You know! 😄
I have missed few of your newsletter lately cause it’s completely hectic at work at the moment. But when I saw the title of this one I said to myself I need to read it later this week. And as always you deliver, but this one hits different and resonates with me.
« These are people I can turn to for unfiltered and unbiased counsel, free from judgement » you know you are that friend and I value a lot your time and unbiased counsel!
Appreciate the kind words Alex, and humbled to hear this! 👊 Hopefully work eases up a bit, and wish you a wonderful and restful weekend :)
Thank you my friend! At the parc with the kids sun is shining, it’s nice ☺️
Very insightful piece! Really enjoyed reading in. Got my dopamine hit from it! Cheers!
Thanks for taking the time, Adam 😄🥂