It’s a badge of honor, to us men, when we designate one of our lady friends, as one of the guys! Meet Judi Washburn — who chooses not to wear that badge at all. Not that she has a choice. Around her, I take the liberty to not mind my language, to crack naughty jokes and to throw political correctness out the window. Most times, she shakes her head in disbelief.
Judi has been an integral part of my life for well over a decade, and I am better for it. Confidante, friend, Professor extraordinaire and my intellectual conscience. We have travelled the world to exotic locations, consulted with big companies, drank obscene amounts of wine, held hands and cried together as she beat cancer. We mutually decided that we have no dignity left in our relationship. That’s what makes us family. Clearly dysfunctional at times, but always family.
We all need an inner circle of close buddies who tell us what we need to hear. With Judi, it’s as close as it gets. She never minces her words, and keeps me honest. That in itself is priceless.
About Hemant Rustogi