‘You’re always doing so much,’ Kate said during an early morning cross-continental Whatsapp call as I travelled to work.
‘I don’t do any more than you,’ I replied. ‘I can tell from your Facebook posts.’
‘Oh I just re-share posts from years ago,’ she replied before sharing her news and asking about my love life.
‘I quite fancy Harry,’ I said. ‘Actually you met him at one of my birthdays years ago – the one where you nearly got that TV presenter, Gino‘s private club membership revoked.’
Kate thought for a moment, ‘Was Harry the 20-year-old?’
‘He’s 25 now.’
‘When are you free for a catch-up?’ Nathalie messaged.
‘I’m out tomorrow but how about I Skype you after I’ve checked in at the airport on Friday,’ I replied. ‘Will you be free?’
‘Call me any time,’ she replied. ‘I don’t do anything in the evenings.’
Nathalie had bigger news: she’s pregnant. And she had plenty of gossip about the rock star’s wife, whom she works for. ‘Instead of dialling zero, she called her husband’s manager in the middle of the night to ask her to organise a late check-out… Anyway, what’s happening with your love life?’ I mentioned Harry. ‘Young buck! At least he won’t have any baggage or neuroses. Plus he’ll have plenty of energy.’
‘He admitted he was feeling tired this evening,’ I laughed.
A few evenings later, Harry messaged, asking what I was up to.
‘Trying to find some inspiration for this week’s blog. And there’s only vodka left in the drinks cabinet. What about you?’
‘Just heading home, then nothing. Skype later?’
There’s something very reassuring about those who don’t cram their lives with distractions, who appreciate spending time chatting with friends and who can really disconnect. As ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu said, ‘Doing nothing is better than being busy doing nothing.’
