24 Comments
User's avatar
Mary Pittelli's avatar

I loved this column. You state many of the reasons I stay on FB- to share time and life’s adventures with those who I may not see but share a common past. I’ve said it before Barry but I think I’ve learned more about you via this medium than I did when we worked together. Con un abraccio forte !

Expand full comment
Barry David Kluger's avatar

sssh. I'm a good guy. don't tell anyone.

Expand full comment
Steve Goldmintz's avatar

I was in 1515 Broadway last month. I hope that warms your day and flushes some positive memories.

Expand full comment
Barry David Kluger's avatar

I can't tell you how many people ghosted me when an email or acknowledgment was sent because I could no longer do anything for them. At a pivotal time in my career, I decided I would not connect for what I could gain, because in my 'high profile' career, I heard from people I had not spoken to in YEARS, who became my best friends. I tried my best and often succeeded-not to 'use' anyone and resented it when it came to me. As the Beatles said: The love you take equals the love you make. The others? I can be a best friend, but on the flip side, Faye Dunaway said it best (lol).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSGXe-x-E9g

Expand full comment
Lesley Stein's avatar

I believe Dr. McCoy's comment applies to you... Barry, you are a people person, not a bystander! Your columns are the proof in the pudding. Keep 'em coming.

Expand full comment
Stephanie Goldberger's avatar

Made me cry again. Good tears.

Reflection is the key to the past.

Never stop looking back while reaching forward. It ain't over yet.

Expand full comment
Stephanie Goldberger's avatar

Made me cry again. Good tears.

Reflection is the key to the past.

Never stop looking back while reaching forward. It ain't over yet.

Expand full comment
Stephanie Goldberger's avatar

Made me cry again. Good tears.

Reflection is the key to the past.

Never stop looking back and reaching forward. It ain't over yet.

Expand full comment
Bob Sicklick's avatar

Of course you matter! I, and many others look forward to your postings, regardless of how long it's been since a ohysical meeting. When you posted being in Florida recently I even thought there was a chance to connect as we were in Boca this weekend for a Bar Mitzvah.. Maybe I can make a connection in Scotsdale (!?) on my way to Austin to visit my son.

Expand full comment
Barry David Kluger's avatar

thanks bob. when are you headed to austin?

Expand full comment
Tola Murphy-Baran's avatar

Sustaining long term friendships takes effort and commitment. Easy to get lazy and suddenly realize you haven’t spoken to someone you treasure for far too long. Many of my most valuable peeps don’t use social media, so you have to get off your butt and make that call before it’s too late.

Expand full comment
Susan V's avatar

Mike is wrong. There’s no such thing as too many friends. There are different types of friendships, and all are valuable in one way or another.

Expand full comment
Hedy Grimaldi's avatar

I do love reading your writing. You make me laugh, cry, and think about many things tht have escaped me for many years. I hope you keep writing for many more years, my newish friend!

Expand full comment
Barry David Kluger's avatar

thanks Hedy. It'll take a hurricane..or a Trump presidency to slow me down..but i can always write from Portugal.

Expand full comment
C.L. Steiner's avatar

So, what did you have for breakfast, Barry?

Expand full comment
Barry David Kluger's avatar

none of your fucking..oh wait. I WAS going to have Lox and a bagel from yesterday. I made homemade veggie cream cheese but decided on blueberries, pineapple, and fat-free cottage cheese. I'm trying to get into a one-piece this summer. the thing is: my wife is wearing the one piece! burn!!

Expand full comment
C.L. Steiner's avatar

I like your answer, not your breakfast. I'd have gone for the bagel and lox. Can you get a decent bagel where you live?

Expand full comment
Barry David Kluger's avatar

many places but..JJ's Deli is run by a Jewish kid from..Jericho..amazing.The previous owners, in 2000, brought in an 'expert,' who built a water filtration system to mirror NY water which any good Jew knows, is all about the water.

Expand full comment
C.L. Steiner's avatar

The water is a major factor, yes. We have a guy down here from Port Jeff who makes very good bagels, thank God.

I had a slice of pumpernickel with whipped cream cheese, berries on the side.

Expand full comment
Barry David Kluger's avatar

wait.bagel and berries? where are you from..New Canaan?

Expand full comment
C.L. Steiner's avatar

Not hardly, habibi. The pumpernickel was bread, not bagel, and the berries were in a bowl. Blueberries and strawberries. Had some Raisin Bran too - gotta stay regular, y’know.

Expand full comment
Randy Rakowski's avatar

You had me at Socratic. I really loved this column, as I usually do, but this one felt particularly personal. Never stop writing. It keeps you sharp and it keeps me interested.

Expand full comment
susan@shubfin.net's avatar

Always love your writing, your humor, you vulnerability and your choice of topics. Thanks, Barry!

Expand full comment
Emily Schuster Wachsberger's avatar

OK, I clicked the like button on this one. That said, I'm glad that I am still in touch with you all these years past when we were in high school together. You are a very caring individual and I appreciate that about you. Thank you for being you.

Expand full comment