If only all life had these

Sunday, Feb 15^th 2009

By Nancy French

We're in Fort Hood, Texas, celebrating the return of soldiers who've just come from Iraq. After an evening river cruise, our party went to Austin to continue the night just a bit more.

There were so many people out, in spite of the crisp weather, and we went into an establishment that handed out glowing plastic circles as you entered. (I'd call them necklaces, but people were wearing them on their heads and winding around their arms.) Two stacks existed.

"Green or red?" the guy at the door asked me.

"What's the difference?"

"Red if you're together and green if you're available."

Of course, I'd already grabbed a green and made a hat of it, so I traded with a single guy near me.

For the rest of the night, my friend -- with the green band around his bald head -- chatted up single women while David and I were able to mingle with our fellow reds.

It got me thinking -- wouldn't it be wonderful if everthing was labeled this way? How much easier would life be if you were designated in simple categories. If you were lonely, you'd get a yellow necklace and people would know to speak to you. If you were sick, you could be purple and people could make you meals. If you were grieving, it would obviously be black and people would know to handle you delicately.

Life, however, isn't easily categorized. Relationships, of course, are messy and inconvenient, requiring conversation and time. But that's the point, obviously... people are never easily defined and it takes time to connect in real ways. This week might be a good one to try to actually talk to friends and see how they are, whether they need a meal or a kind word, or nothing at all.

It'll take time, but at least we don't have to wear glowing plastic rings.

Nancy French

Nancy French is an author, commentator, and mother. Her next book, about the year her husband spent in Iraq is due out July 4, 2011. Connect with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NancyAndersonFrench and follow her on Twitter at https://twitter.com/nancyafrench.

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