No offense to Stephen Sondheim’s Company, but I think ladies who lunch have been unfairly maligned culturally.
We are so quick to dismiss socializing as some superficial ritual. But social bonds are the way we maintain our civilization.
If you can make time to enjoy a long lunch with pleasant and diverting company, you possess a degree of richness that has little to do with personal wealth. It’s a richness of spirit.
Everything can acquire the social capital required to have a little lunch with friends. Being present and kind to one’s dining companions is a joy to be cherished.
Cherish those that would take time to share their company (and a meal) with you. Whether it’s a swanky restaurant, at someone’s home, or on at the office. Take a long lunch with someone who interests you.
The ladies who lunch understand the value of these social bonds to their community. Elaine Stritch would drink to that. And so should you and I.