You bring up a fascinating point. It does make sense to diversify our network. I think few of us would do so for the sole reason of tapping into them when we needed them….but it does make sense to be open to lots of different people. It’s a great way to learn and get out of our comfort zone.

Oh….and as long as you’re going to diversify friends, it probably makes sense to have a dentist in the group!

Your situation happening as it did just before the long Labor Day weekend was akin to your air conditioner breaking down the Friday before 4th of July weekend–which actually happened to me, so I can relate. (There was of course no pain in my episode, but you get the picture).

I love your point that the disasters are not always our fault. That’s so important because we can waste so much time soul searching needlessly when we just need to accept it and deal with it.

Good plug for the side business too!

So maybe I would add one more tip: Prevention if possible. Go to the dentist before you need a root canal, lol. Don’t put off those six month check ups like I did. Will save you way more money and grief later down the road.