Author Ruth F. Stevens is our guest today.  WOW! WOMEN ON WRITING TOUR  is hosting Ruth and her brand new novel,  My Year of Casual Acquaintances.     And Choices is very pleased to share Ruth's essay about how important our casual relationships are to our lives. We hope it will encourage you to read the entire book:   How casual acquaintances play an important role in our lives By Ruth F. Stevens I doubt anyone would question that our close friends and relatives are the people we hold most dear in the world. But the casual acquaintances we encounter in our daily lives can also enrich us, filling needs that are different from those met by our family members and besties. Casual acquaintances can take many forms. Maybe she’s the co-worker you enjoy chatting with over coffee in the breakroom. Or the man who’s been styling your hair for the past ten years. Or the cheerful retiree who volunteers at the hospital the same afternoon as you. … [Read more...]