Only Friends in the Building

Turns out… I didn’t lose the life I thought I wanted.
I found a life I didn’t even know I needed.

Sometimes the smallest line on TV hits harder than you expect. I was watching Only Murders in the Building (yes… right up there with Madame Blanc and Emily in Paris) and something that was said in the show made me stop. Not because it was dramatic. But because it was true.

It made me think about my own building. My own life. And what I can only describe as - Only Friends in the Building.

When I moved into this building, my life shifted in a big way. At the time, it felt uncertain. Uncomfortable. Not at all what I had planned. But now? Now I can honestly say - I’m in a really good place.

And one of the biggest, most unexpected suprises has been the people right here under my roof. The people in the building.

There are five - sometimes six of us - mostly women, mostly single, completely different - and somehow, we’ve become this little circle of support.

Add in a few couples, a hallway chat here, a shared laugh there - and suddenly - it feels like a community.

A few of us started doing monthly dinners. We rotate apartments. Everyone brings something tied to a theme. And coming up? A murder mystery dinner. (So yes… clearly the TV theme is carrying over.) In February, we had our own version of a Valentine’s night.

And the best part?

There’s always someone to borrow a cup of milk from. Someone’s door to knock on. Someone to say: “Want to go for coffee or walk?” And that matters more than you realize.

I water them. I talk to them. Still… we struggle.

And somehow… I’ve also become part of the garden club. Which is slightly ironic because - if I’m being honest - every plant I touch has a questionable future. (This planter I am responsible for? Hanging on by a thread.) But they still include me. And that’s kind of the point.

We get so caught up in what life is supposed to look like.

• Dinner dates.

• Couples

• A certain picture of how things should be.

and yes, that would be great....but sometimes - when life doesn’t follow that script - something else comes in to fill the space.

• Friendship.

• Laughter.

• Support.

• People who show up.

• Women who show up.

And in true “women supporting women” fashion - one neighbour bought new furniture - and somehow, I ended up with a few beautiful pieces. Not exactly how I pictured things. But honestly? Maybe even better.

So tonight, as I watched Only Murders in the Building, I found myself thinking about my own version - Only Friends in the Building. Because sometimes it doesn’t start with a big life change. Sometimes it starts with:

• A simple hello.

• A shared hallway moment.

• An invitation for coffee.

And before you know - You’ve built something that feels like home.