Who do you talk to?

You must be wondering what is this about? I am 70's child, growing up in lower middle class segment in Bangalore. Our neighbours representing every type of difference from religion, to language, to practices and of course food preferences we are family and friends.And very often i would see a neighbour aunt walk across to a mentor neighbour aunty with a small empty steel cup or katori.

It was supposed to be to borrow some sugar, and use the opportunity to share her angst, some worry, some concern and sometimes ofcourse just some gossip. Very often though it really was to seek some advice on an issue that she was facing and needed help with.

I have seen women exchange notes, give advice , share concern, and sometimes just offer a sympathetic ear to the aunt and then the conversation would be over.Both the sugar seeker and and the sugar giver would sigh, sometimes smile, sometimes look wistful and sometimes look very encouraged after the conversation.

I am wondering where do we go today to have these little sugar cup conversations? Given the frenetic pace of life, at workplaces and our neighbourhoods and homes, do we have these little safe havens where we could carry an empty little cup and return with a little bit of sugar in it?

Can women create networks in workplaces and neighbourhoods, where we could share our vulnerabilities, without fear of being judged? are you someone who is willing to have conversations on how we could create such places, beyond the mentoring,coaching models? Write in to me, it would be a good place to start some sweet little conversations after all.

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