Friendship is a relationship that has to be nurtured just like any other. If you aren’t working at your friendships, they all too often go by the way side and the distance can become hard to overcome.
So, how do you nurture those relationships when you are in the thick of those years with young children underfoot? How do you make your friends a priority when your children trump them more often than not (as they should!)?
Well below you’ll find five suggestions that do not take up a ton of time, they just require a smidge of planning ahead – so break out your calendar and make a commitment to stay connected.
Celebrate Their Successes
Has your friend been working on her degree while raising her family? Make sure to note when her graduation is and start thinking of a gift idea so you can honor her dedication and fantastic accomplishment.
Did another friend write her first article in a print publication that will come out next month? Send her flowers to celebrate the first week of that month! Is a friend training for a 5K for the first time and you’re close enough to attend? See if you can work it out to be on the sidelines cheering her on.
Send a Treat in the Mail
For birthdays, just because or to celebrate a great accomplishment, everyone loves to get a treat in the mail. You can schedule these types of things in advance as well. Need some suggestions? Try the following:
Candy’s Cakepops - She’s fantastic, her cakepops are delectable and she delivers nationwide! Perfect for a little pick me up treat for that friend who’s had a bad week or just to tell her you miss her.
Edible Arrangements  - More fruit and a bit of chocolate with these sweet treats, but perfect for a congratulatory gift or uplifting sentiment.
Regular Skype Dates
Do all of your close friends live far away from you? Set up regular Skype dates to have coffee together while you catch up on what’s happening in your life. Chat while you fold your laundry if you need to multitask – it’s better than not getting a visit in at all.
Cup of Coffee or Glass of Wine to Catch Up
Take 30 minutes and sit outside with your friend who lives nearby and decompress. It’s likely you both need it and in the busy nature of your lives, it always feels good to connect with a friend. Talk about what’s going on in your life or just sit in silence – either way, it will feel good to connect again on some level.
Monthly Get Togethers
Set a regular time to get together with local friends for a card came, wine tasting or some type of regular outing. It will give you all something to look forward to and if you commit to the same time every month, you’re more likely to make it happen.
How do you make sure you stay connected to your friends?ÂÂ
Image: Linzi Clark via Flickr
