Like, a platonic crush on another mom? And I guess this question really doesn’t apply to dads… or lesbians… you know, if it’s not platonic because that takes this topic to a whole ‘nother level that I’m not trying to uncover at this point.

So, yeah, have you ever, like, seen another mom out and about, caught yourself watching her, admiring her, her style, her confidence, her charming kids? And then she sees you staring at her and you have to look away really quick and you realize you look totally creepy. And then you might strike up a bit of small talk and you confirm your beliefs that she seems way cool. And you’re like, “So… come here often? Yeah, we usually make our way out here once a week. Usually Thursdays.” And then you have to leave the bounce house/park/Chick Fil A because, dammit, it’s freaking naptime, and you don’t want to hang around and look all needy and weird. And you get the vibe that maybe she thinks you might be cool or fun or funny, too. And then you’re just like, “Uh, yeah. See you… later.” And there’s sort of that moment where you think maybe you could, I don’t know, give her your number… or your email… or, well, no, not your blog.  But that’s WAY over the top and crazy. Right? And then you never see her again, and sometimes you wonder if she would have made a really great friend.

Don’t get me wrong. My life is FULL of really great friends. I just don’t have that many that live super close to me. I mean, I do have some that I’ve had the great fortune of meeting since moving to Dallas, which I am really grateful for, but it’s not like I’ve reached my maximum capacity for good friends. I think I still have room for more, especially those who can meet up on a weekday at 10 to gab while our toddlers tear apart the park. And every now and then I run across a mom who seems like a really awesome person, who I’d love to get to know more, but it never materializes.

For example, when I was pregnant with Kendall and working at Right Start in Virginia, there were two moms who came in quite frequently. They were just a few months ahead of me in their pregnancy, and we’d always chat for a long time while they were in the store. Unlike the awesome group of friends I have here in Dallas, I never had very many girlfriends up in VA, and I certainly didn’t know anyone who was pregnant at the time.  Before we found out we were moving to TX, I used to really worry about what sort of support group I’d have after Kendall was born. And I’d talk to these moms and think, wow, it would be so cool to hang out with them, but I just never knew how to take it to the next level (or if they would even want to).

I think that’s why I worked really hard to get out and meet other moms when we got here. I formed a tiny moms group within our HOA, and started meeting a lot of the gals I adored on TheBump.com’s message boards at various functions. It’s been wonderful getting to know all these ladies, it really has. But still, every now and then I talk to another mom and there seems to be that tiny spark, you know?

Or do you not know? Is this totally weird and just reeking of desperation?

Kendall will be 23 months old in 2 hours. Sigh.