Actually, something funny first

I'll get to Harv Eker's book next time, but just wanted to see if this is something you've experienced before...

I remember when we'd first moved here - knew nobody, didn't have a clue as to what to do with my kids that they'd like, no kids on our block... it was kind of lonely. So I did what seemed like a sure-fire way of finding some new friends for me and the kids:

We went to the playground.

Easy enough, right? I mean the place should be crawling with kids and moms - and it's a good place to kind of get the scoop on what's around to do... and maybe make some friends.

Forgot about how much the whole playground scene is like dating!

"Ohh, she looks nice."
"Hmmm.. I don't know..."
"Yeah, I bet everyone wants to be her friend."

All those vibes... the constant evaluation of whether there's chemistry. Does she like me? Do I like her? If I give her my number, will I regret it? I like her, but her kids....

There's that gut feeling about whether it'll be a good match - and it's usually right. The times I'd ignore it ended up strange - the new "friend" that was always asking for money, or babysitting, or both - or the one I felt too shy to go talk to... who later became one of my closest friends.

Same thing now that the kids are in school and in activities.

Have you had the same experience?