I’VE been re-watching Sex And The City and something Charlotte said stopped me in my tracks.
“Maybe we could be each other’s soulmates,” she says to Carrie, Miranda and Samantha, and I hard relate to that sentiment – never more so than since losing my husband John.
Lorna Luxe says that even her friends don’t know everything about her Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Lorna with her late husband John, who she describes as her best friend and the only person who knew her ‘inside out’ Credit: lornaluxe/ Instagram
The thought of living the last few months without my female friends. . . well, I’d rather not, actually. They really have been my soulmates when I’ve needed them the most.
John was, of course, my best friend and the only one who knew me inside out. Even my close mates don’t know me like he did.
My mum told me to never tell anyone everything about yourself, but I broke that rule for him – no regrets.
I’ve been a collector of friends through all the chapters of my life. Once I love you, you’re stuck with me!
I’m still in touch with girls I went to school and uni with, although mainly online these days, and some of my closest mates are from my time as cabin crew when I was living in Brighton.
Back then, when I was travelling around so much, coming home to good friends was so important.
Now, we may be living totally different lives – they have kids, “normal” jobs, and their lives are a lot calmer than mine.
But it doesn’t matter, as when we get together, it’s like nothing has changed. You can hear the giggling from miles away.
When John died, one of the first women to reach out to Lorna was fashion designer Jade Holland Cooper Credit: Splash
Lorna says a line from Charlotte, above, in Sex And The City about women being each other’s soulmates has taken on a whole new meaning since losing her husband John Credit: Alamy
What I love most about time with them is it reminds me of those silly, carefree years when we were in our 20s, and how far I’ve come since then in terms of the life I’ve built for myself.
Which leads me on to my more recent group of friends – women who are hungry for success and creating a future for themselves from the ground up, like me.
I’m like a moth to a flame with women like that and have forged some great bonds because we share those qualities.
When John died, one of the first women to reach out to me was fashion designer Jade Holland Cooper.
From a stall selling her designs to a multimillion-pound fashion empire, she’s my sort of woman. Even though there’s lots we don’t have in common – she rides ponies and has kids for a start – she’s been such a support.
She was quick to message me after John’s death, saying: “If you fancy somewhere to stay for a weekend and get away from everything, come here.”
That meant so much. It’s what you need when you’re grieving – not platitudes, but real-life offers of help, a sanctuary and just knowing someone cares.
John was so supportive of my bonds with women – in fact, he celebrated my friendships and forged his own with my girlfriends, too. He was never happier than when pouring us all a glass of something lovely, and joining in with a proper gossip.
There were so many women at his funeral, which really was a testament to the fact he was a true feminist, always championing women and finding their company more interesting than most men.
THIS WEEK I’M. . .
Accessorising with… Strathberry Kite Hobo bag
The chocolate-brown colourway makes for the perfect autumn arm candy.
Dining at… Dover St Counter, London
I love sitting at the bar at this Mayfair eatery – and the food and cocktails are delish.
Waiting to watch… MobLand
Season two starts on Paramount+ on Thursday, and I’m excited to see more of Tom Hardy!
They’re grieving for him, too. I am the first of my mates to lose a spouse or partner, and it’s hit them all hard.
I know he’d be happy that I still have all my friends who are the soulmates I couldn’t get by without. Here’s to the girls!
Follow Lorna on Instagram @Lorna.
