When I was in college, my friend Mia needed a new mattress. She asked me to tag along for some company, and as I jokingly said, friends shouldn’t let friends buy mattresses solo. We grabbed drinks, chatted during the drive, debated mattress options, and returned home feeling accomplished. I assumed this was just a normal activity for friends. If you need to tackle a mundane task, just call a buddy. Overseas, this is termed an “errand hang.”
Turns out, I might be a bit unconventional. It seems many moms I know feel the same way. Pre-COVID, I was always errand hanging with my friends, at least until my three best mom friends moved away in the same year. Even in this post-COVID world, I still find ways to do it. The errand hang lives on, friends! How else do folks spend time together? Life is hectic, and who has the time to coordinate fancy outings with wine and such? I can barely manage that with my spouse. My kid-free hours are filled with tasks I need or want to accomplish.
But I’d rather not tackle those tasks alone. So I reach out to someone. Need to pick up some candles and crystals? I know a friend who might need those too, or at the very least, he’ll appreciate a ride, a sweet tea, and some company while browsing. We’ll chat, catch up, and maybe even swing by a thrift store. That’s what an errand hang looks like.
Moms Errand Hang All the Time
I genuinely miss having mom friends, especially for those errand hangs. We all had kids that needed to be entertained, and chores to run. I could easily call them, saying, “Hey, do you need to hit Target? Because I sure do!” We’d meet up in the parking lot with our lists.
“Okay, you’re looking for makeup, fruit, and a shower curtain; I need some makeup, contact lens solution, washcloths, and a bathmat. Oh, and I want to check out the clearance bins because remember that time I found that amazing David Bowie notebook for three bucks?”
And my friends would laugh and jab at me, reminding me of that notebook story as we loaded our children into carts and kept each other on track while chatting through the aisles. Thanks to our teamwork, we often walked out of the store without overspending. That’s the beauty of the errand hang.
I’d help her choose her shower curtain, and she’d help me with my bra selection. These little glimpses into each other’s lives create meaningful moments. Later, I’d visit her home and compliment her new shower curtain or lean over and say, “Dude, I’m wearing that bra, and you were right about ditching the underwire.”
My Errand Hangs Post-COVID
My best friend Tim and I still errand hang frequently; he’s a busy lawyer, and I’m a writer juggling my own tasks. One Sunday, he picked me up, and we spent the afternoon running political errands: visiting constituents, putting up yard signs, and matching neighborhoods to maps. Alone, it would’ve been tedious. Instead, we listened to music and chatted, turning a dull day into quality time.
Recently, we had another errand hang when he bought a washer. Before you jump to conclusions, he didn’t need my help—Tim is fully capable of choosing the right washer. He just wanted some company while he went through the purchasing process. So I accompanied him, leaned against appliances, and we laughed about my college days when I got so stoned, I thought I’d be that way forever.
I declared his washer a solid choice, though I’m not a washer expert. He appreciated the company, and we got to hang out—that’s what an errand hang is all about. Many people, especially moms, do this. When do we have a chance to see our friends? Our schedules are packed. So when we do have a task, it makes sense to call someone who likely has errands of their own to run. That trip can turn into an adventure, often fueled by caffeine, as even Tim and I stopped for energy drinks.
I resonate with Cindy Wang Brandt, who mentions in Mandarin, this concept is called “陪, ‘pei,’ which means to accompany someone for frivolous reasons.” Sometimes we combine our errands with someone else’s, while other times, we simply enjoy the companionship while running necessary tasks. I’ve had friends join me for dress shopping, paint selection, or picking out gifts for people they’ve never met. It’s a chance to connect, to hang out, and to do something while doing nothing.
We need more errand hanging in our lives. If a friend looks at you strangely when you suggest an errand hang, they might be the odd one. Who wouldn’t want to spend time with a drink in hand while deliberating over the best mattress or washer?
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Summary
In essence, the concept of “errand hanging” emphasizes the value of spending time with friends while tackling everyday tasks. Whether it’s grocery shopping, furniture hunting, or simply keeping each other company during errands, these moments create connections and shared experiences that enrich our lives. As busy individuals, finding time to connect is crucial, and errand hangs provide an easy and enjoyable way to do just that.
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