Stranger/Friends

I was thinking the other day how funny it is that we can know someone quite well without knowing that person's name.  Like the ladies I chat with during the boys gymnastics class.  I know these ladies well, I know about their children, how they feel about local schools, what pediatricians they go to.  I know what illnesses have afflicted their households this winter, what family vacations they have been on, and how they get along with their in-laws.  we have been hanging out together 1 hour a week since September and yet we all had a good laugh last week about nobody knowing anyone's name.  Names were probably given way back at the beginning of school when we all first met but nobody really remembered and now that we have become friends, shared stories and personal information it is a bit embarrassing to ask each other for names.

Just like the lady I sat by on the airplane a couple days ago.  I know about her twin girls, her former husband, her new husband and two step sons.  I know about her sister in London, her large extended family back in India, and her mother-in-law.  We discussed the pro/cons of private vs. public school, the difference in culture between the US, Europe, and Asia, and the horrendous traffic in India.  Oh, and we talked about a good weekend vacation spot I had wanted to try that she and her husband went to last fall--sounds like it's a winner.  

And yet, after all that, sharing a close space for a time, sharing airplane pillows, blankets, and food, I don't know her name.  Funny.

Oh, and by the way, if you were wondering why I was sitting on the plane with her, it's the same reason I'm sitting with my hubby about to head home with this little friend in my pocket.

Uh-oh, gotta go.  Their calling my plane--at least they are if I understood right!  See-ya.