In our modern, tech-savvy world of social networking I find I communicate more with people I’ve never met face to face than with friends or acquaintances who live in my own community. And that is why I want to be more intentional in my face to face interaction.

Face to face, you get that subtle or not so subtle nuance of speech. There is less opportunity for misunderstanding. When something is said, especially surrounding controversy, you have a context in which to understand someone when you’ve already shared a meal or two.

With that in mind, recently I initiated “5 Star Lunch Ladies.” I put the word out – using social media – that I’d like to meet friends once a month for lunch. I describe it as having “fun and food with friends on Fridays.”

No agenda. Just lunch.

Sometimes when it comes to making friends and keeping friends, simple works the best. We had our first “Lunch Ladies” lunch in July. No laptops, no phones pulling up fb or twitter or email. Just real live ladies sharing a table and eating tacos.

And talking. Not typing.

(And just so we’re clear…no hairnets were harmed – or worn- in our “Lunch Ladies” experiment.)

April Lunch Ladies: 4/26/13 Panera Bread at Clearwater Mall on Gulf to Bay Blvd. at 12:30