A Fly on the Wall
Viewing comments for Chapter 20 "The Privileges of Being Besties"A journal musings and assessments about situations
22 total reviews
Comment from Michele Harber
Women understand the depth of female friendship. You've managed to explain it in a way that even men will understand. One of the best things about close female bonds is how much doesn't need to be said. We understand the quiet times, fill in unspoken words, and recognize the context behind, as you suggested, words that might be misconstrued or not appreciated if said by others.
This is a lovely breakdown of female friendship, that will make those not lucky enough to have such a friend wish they did. My closest friendship was established some 40 years ago. We don't speak nearly as often as we'd like but, when we do, that time in between disappears, and we can tell each other those things we wouldn't dare discuss with anyone else.
Thanks for sharing such a beautiful relationship.
As usual, I have just a few small proofing points:
- In the sixth paragraph, "like me" already implies "also," so "also, like me," is redundant.
- In the twelfth paragraph, no hyphen is needed between "halfway" and "between."
- In the twenty-second paragraph (third from the bottom), the period that belongs after "exchange" wound up on the next line.
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2022
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Women understand the depth of female friendship. You've managed to explain it in a way that even men will understand. One of the best things about close female bonds is how much doesn't need to be said. We understand the quiet times, fill in unspoken words, and recognize the context behind, as you suggested, words that might be misconstrued or not appreciated if said by others.
This is a lovely breakdown of female friendship, that will make those not lucky enough to have such a friend wish they did. My closest friendship was established some 40 years ago. We don't speak nearly as often as we'd like but, when we do, that time in between disappears, and we can tell each other those things we wouldn't dare discuss with anyone else.
Thanks for sharing such a beautiful relationship.
As usual, I have just a few small proofing points:
- In the sixth paragraph, "like me" already implies "also," so "also, like me," is redundant.
- In the twelfth paragraph, no hyphen is needed between "halfway" and "between."
- In the twenty-second paragraph (third from the bottom), the period that belongs after "exchange" wound up on the next line.
Comment Written 14-Aug-2022
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2022
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Thank you, Michele, for your understanding so well the premise of this essay and, as always, for your very helpful edits. Since I consider you a master editor, I always appreciate your taking the time to bestow your knowledge and expertise on my behalf. xo
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Thanks for the compliment. I'm happy to help.
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I made all your suggested changes!
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Great. I don't waste my time on something that isn't good to begin with but, if it is, I like to see it be the best it can be.
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Oy. You are the queen of making my day! Thank you.
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😀
Comment from MissMerri
There is no way this could be any better. You have managed to paint such a clear picture, not only of your wonderful friend, but of yourself as well and the reasons you two are so close. This is a great example of how to write an appealing biographical sketch and is full of delightful humor, reality and truth. It was such an enjoyable piece. I loved everything about it. MM
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2022
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There is no way this could be any better. You have managed to paint such a clear picture, not only of your wonderful friend, but of yourself as well and the reasons you two are so close. This is a great example of how to write an appealing biographical sketch and is full of delightful humor, reality and truth. It was such an enjoyable piece. I loved everything about it. MM
Comment Written 14-Aug-2022
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2022
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Coming from a writer of your caliber, this is as wonderful a review as could ever be written. Thank you, SO very, very much for making me feel so good about this piece. xo (And thank you for the extra star, too.) xo
Comment from Thesis
I loved the free style spirit of your story. Since it is non-fiction, I think it might be a good idea to present it in a more chronological order to show the progression of the relationship.
I thoroughly enjoyed that your relationship has evolved to be one where you can honestly tell each other anything - and still be friends, moreover, that you can be so brutally honest that the other acknowledges it and agrees.
Just a few minor touched required, but overall a very good read.
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2022
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I loved the free style spirit of your story. Since it is non-fiction, I think it might be a good idea to present it in a more chronological order to show the progression of the relationship.
I thoroughly enjoyed that your relationship has evolved to be one where you can honestly tell each other anything - and still be friends, moreover, that you can be so brutally honest that the other acknowledges it and agrees.
Just a few minor touched required, but overall a very good read.
Comment Written 14-Aug-2022
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2022
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Thanks very much for this solid review. I always appreciate conscientious feedback. This Fly on the Wall book, though, is about many different people and situations that happen in my life, not simply this friendship. That's the reason I don't do it in chronological order.
Comment from Tom Horonzy
What is?.... your "favorite by-product of forty-six years of ferocious love."
The friendship or the fancy-dinner black glitter mini dress? You left it unclear to me. but a picture would speak a thousand words instead of the bug above. tee-hee.
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2022
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What is?.... your "favorite by-product of forty-six years of ferocious love."
The friendship or the fancy-dinner black glitter mini dress? You left it unclear to me. but a picture would speak a thousand words instead of the bug above. tee-hee.
Comment Written 14-Aug-2022
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2022
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You're a real card, Tom. Sorry, you'll have to use your imagination.
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and if you have to choose which card I'd be, I assume it wouldn't be the Ace but more likely one of the two jokers in a deck of cards.
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I think you spelled that wrong. The 'A' is right; but the next two letters are 's'es.
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Ouch. Really? I thought us friends. If I distressed you in any way. there was "No ill intent intended."
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Sometimes, I think it wouldn't hurt you to pause before you type is all.
Comment from judiverse
This is a delight. I'm glad you recalled all those exchanges which revealed that you could both give and take the jibes. You did a great job of explaining how you met. It's great that you still have a close relationship and how you still get together for fun weekends. I loved your comments about your different tastes in clothes. You put this together smoothly with lots of details and humorous touches. In doing so, you reveal a lot about you and your best friend. judi
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2022
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This is a delight. I'm glad you recalled all those exchanges which revealed that you could both give and take the jibes. You did a great job of explaining how you met. It's great that you still have a close relationship and how you still get together for fun weekends. I loved your comments about your different tastes in clothes. You put this together smoothly with lots of details and humorous touches. In doing so, you reveal a lot about you and your best friend. judi
Comment Written 14-Aug-2022
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2022
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This review is just fantastic. I always love the way you're so specific about what works--or doesn't--in my pieces. It's so HELPFUL the way you do this. Thank you. Thank you, also, for the extra star!! I appreciate your generosity. xo
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You're very welcome. I enjoyed immensely. I admire your sense of style, although I think I'd be more like your friend. Bet you were never tempted to swap clothes. judi
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One day, just for the laugh of our lives, we did. We were beside ourselves with hysterics.
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Oh, my, that would have been quite a switch. judi
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My mini dresses on her really DID look like blouses...and her long, flowing dresses on me ABSOLUTELY looked like a granny nightgown!!
Comment from Terry Broxson
Rachelle, you have written a beautiful story full of love, pathos, and humor about the special friend in your life. Guys can have that kind of friendship too, but we are either drinking, fishing or drinking. Unfortunately, I have outlived all of them. Exceptional work. Terry.
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2022
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Rachelle, you have written a beautiful story full of love, pathos, and humor about the special friend in your life. Guys can have that kind of friendship too, but we are either drinking, fishing or drinking. Unfortunately, I have outlived all of them. Exceptional work. Terry.
Comment Written 14-Aug-2022
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2022
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Oh, how I dread that though, Terry. But at least you have good memories of drinking and fishing and drinking!
Thanks for understanding and for the lovely review. xo
Comment from lyenochka
Wow! That's just amazing to have a sister-like best friend! That you can say such things and totally understand and admire each other shows a loyal love that's rarely found! I also am amazed that you two set aside a weekend to be with each other every year.
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2022
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Wow! That's just amazing to have a sister-like best friend! That you can say such things and totally understand and admire each other shows a loyal love that's rarely found! I also am amazed that you two set aside a weekend to be with each other every year.
Comment Written 14-Aug-2022
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2022
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Yes! That's always been our priority. We did have to miss the last two years because of COVID, though, so that made this weekend extra super special.
Thanks for "getting it," Helen, and for the extra star, as well!! Very much appreciated. xo
Comment from Theodore McDowell
Expertly written and what a wonderful relationship. It's rare and I can tell you both appropriately cherish the friendship. Loved the description of the contrasting styles both of you have.
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2022
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Expertly written and what a wonderful relationship. It's rare and I can tell you both appropriately cherish the friendship. Loved the description of the contrasting styles both of you have.
Comment Written 14-Aug-2022
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2022
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Thank you for understanding so well. Yes, we could not be more different on the outside, but, inside, where it matters, we are identical. xo (Thanks for the extra star!)
Comment from Jannypan (Jan)
AWESOME! What a true friendship you and SueAnne have
had and continue to share, Rachelle. I enjoyed reading your
story. I agree with everything you wrote about how true friends
can, and do, respond to one another and know just how it is
intended. I did laugh at the examples--esp the pink nightgown
one. You were blessed to meet her and she was blessed by you.
The two of you have what many desire, but won't reach because of
ego.
Thanks for sharing, Jan
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2022
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AWESOME! What a true friendship you and SueAnne have
had and continue to share, Rachelle. I enjoyed reading your
story. I agree with everything you wrote about how true friends
can, and do, respond to one another and know just how it is
intended. I did laugh at the examples--esp the pink nightgown
one. You were blessed to meet her and she was blessed by you.
The two of you have what many desire, but won't reach because of
ego.
Thanks for sharing, Jan
Comment Written 14-Aug-2022
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2022
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That's a really interesting point, Jan, that I never considered before. Ego can stifle a friendship, can't it. I'm going to share that with SueAnne.
Thanks for this super nice review. xo
Comment from Erika Seshadri
Awwww, this is great. What a blessing this friendship is, to remain strong after many years.
You had me laughing so hard at the clothing style bits... :)
Take care,
Erika
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2022
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Awwww, this is great. What a blessing this friendship is, to remain strong after many years.
You had me laughing so hard at the clothing style bits... :)
Take care,
Erika
Comment Written 14-Aug-2022
reply by the author on 14-Aug-2022
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We're like Lucy and Ethel, I swear. We amuse each other highly.
Thanks for the sweet review. Very much appreciated. xo