A Funny Thing Happened...

A funny thing happened when I was lunching in my favorite organic restaurant today. 

Well nigh everyone knows that women talk to one another.  About the things not so small and not so insignificant.  Not too many go into deep, intimate tales.  And that is womanspeak.

It all changed today.  With bar salad in hand, chocolate mint cookie that can never be eaten on a hot day and a glass of water, I found an empty booth by the window.  By some standards it is a dark and dreary day.  It wasn't dreary in here.The oranges, reds, yellows and gold flowers in vases and old pine floors exuded warmth. I was more than glad to be in this cafe.

With absolutely no expectations, other than a scrumptious lunch, the two fifty-sixty somethings sitting at the booth in front of me were conversing.  Full disclosure, both were stunning men. Variegated gray hair, on the short side.

I had no intention of listening in. At first I wasn't sure what they were discussing.  The restaurant was nearly empty and all the machines were silent.  There wasn't even any cell phone chatter. 

"I adore her, I love her.  It is different with her than my first wife.  Stella was Catholic, all about being proper, nothing unique, definitely nothing experimental.  I was freshly out of grad school when we met.  She had a lot of sexual abuse in her life.  It played out in our relationship."

My ears were open. Wider.

"I know what you mean.  That is why I like this group.  Men from all walks of life, straight, gay tell their story.  It is safe there."

This must be the Mankind Project I am thinking.

"So what happened with Stella?"

"I couldn't get to me with her.  But I sure do with Tasha.  She will try anything.  I don't mean kinky, I mean she heals me.  I heal me, ya know?"

"Yes, I do.  That is why I am glad I became a therapist.  It helps me as much as it helps them."

"I know.  I love Tasha on so many levels.  She knows it.  She has her share of issues, but they don't matter. With her or without her next to me, she is always in my head.  I am a better man with her. And I like our men's group a lot."

I had to pretend to be on my cell phone chatting softly.  An easy way to cover my laughter. That and I couldn't sit in that booth any longer.  I felt exposed. Ten minutes was enough. And I was more than happy to hear this conversation. I just couldn't keep a straight face. Especially with all the DETAILS.  I also don't think I would enjoy my mate discussing me with someone at that level.  The privacy thing and all.  And yes, I did eliminate some of the intimate details. Use your imagination.

Lunch more than put a smile on my face.  Menspeak. I like it.