Good advice is an elevator ride away...

Tonight I had the chance to catch up with some dear friends of mine who live on the floor above me, Marjan and Navid. They are a graceful and wise couple with two kids and two successful careers to be proud of. They have become my most reliable sounding board over the past few months and have listened to me question everything from my weight to my religion. I couldn't imagine not having them in my life to listen, to understand and to advise me in my next steps in life.

So the topics tonight were speed dating and life, obviously. I know, it sounds crazy, but Navid is convinced that I would have great success finding a companion in this manner. I, of course am skeptical, but he had such valid points that I am now googling the next available seat. The one thing that sold me was you are all there for the same reason, to meet a companion. Duh, Lacy. When you are out of college and in an industry dominated mainly by women and fabulous queens, a single man is hard to find. I have always been viewed as the stereotypical party girl, but at 27, its time to grow up and act like the adult I am and meeting guys in bars is no longer acceptable for me. Also, my success rate isn't very good either in that department, so time to move on. So as a woman who has a successful career, a wonderful home and a truly charmed life, I am ready for people that I have known for years to say goodbye to party girl Lacy and meet the real thing.

Navid went on to quote Lucille Ball and gave me the best advice I could have heard tonight - "Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world." Wow, what a revelation from a woman who was revered for her humor and not her wisdom. I had never thought of it until tonight, but maybe I am loving myself in the wrong way OR maybe I am loving the wrong Lacy, just like I have accused everyone else of doing. I am scared of showing people the real me because maybe I am scared they won't like her. What a shame.

So another thing on my personal "to do" list is to get out there and love me. And anyone else who wants to join in, be my guest. I am pretty cuddly.

Thanks Marjan and Navid for taking the time to help me find myself. You have taught me that no problem is too big or small that you can't solve it over a few cups of Persian tea.