New friendship. Someone tell me the 'normal world' rules!

[Inclusionist]

I have a new potential friend- met through a professional situation. She is a bit younger than me and has no kids- I have one (4yo).

I like her a lot but I have only ever really had 'kid' close friendships before- late night texting/ bitching/ excessive drinking together/ close physical contact. This needs to be a grown up relationship.

What are the rules? No texing after 10? Dinner parties (ugh)? Chirstmas cards (double ugh)?

just be yourself. If you want to bitch and she joins in, then IMO she's a friend for life

Haha. I'm just trying to look like an intelligent, emotionally mature grown-up. You may be right that it is never going to wash.

Let it develop naturally. Don't second-guess her reactions otherwise you won't be relaxed, you'll be trying to 'fit in'.