Clever Ways to Maintain Your Friendships

Your friendships mean a lot to you, but as you get older, certain other responsibilities take precedence. This does not mean that you have to lose touch with the people you care about. You just have to get creative and find new ways to keep in touch now that you are unable to get together several nights per week. In today’s world, there are a number of things you can take advantage of that allow you to send quick notes or be available even when constant physical presence is not possible.

Take Advantage of Social Media

Social media is one of the best tools for fostering your friendships, especially as an adult when you do not have the time to see each other several days a week. You can see what your friends are up to, leave comments and post your own status updates to keep your friends informed about what is happening in your life. This is an ideal way to keep each other abreast on the little things that are happening in each other’s lives so that when you do see each other, you can keep the focus on the bigger issues and life events that everyone is experiencing.

Use Technology for Face-to-Face Chat

There are a number of programs you can use to actually talk to your friends face-to-face using your phone, computer or tablet. If you and your friends do not live close to each other, but you still want to actually look at each other when you are chatting, this is the perfect option. It provides a more intimate atmosphere than a general phone call and the two of you can even do something like watch a movie together while also being able to see each other and share your thoughts about the film.

There are several different options and many types of this technology can be used and downloaded for free. Some allow for multiple people to chat at one time, so you can get all of your friends together for a movie night even when there are many miles between each of you.

Send a Card Once in a While

Greeting cards are still wildly popular despite the digital age. Cards are one of the few items that have maintained popularity as a physical means of communication and there is a good reason for this. A simple message in a card will always be more intimate and meaningful than something that you type up and send. You can send a card for any reason and these are not reserved for special days and events. A quick “thinking of you” card is an excellent way to let your friends know that you are thinking of them.

Use Emails or Handwritten Letters

Many people have left emails and have gone exclusively to social media, but emails are a bit more personal and you can go into greater detail in your emails. If you prefer, you can also send a handwritten letter from time to time to communicate with your friends that are far away. Either way, both options allow both of you to communicate more fully and taking the time to write a letter, either on paper or digital, is more meaningful than a Facebook status or even a quick text or phone call.

Do Not Forget About Major Milestones

Things like major accomplishments, anniversaries and birthdays are things you can still celebrate with your friends even when you are busy or too far away for in-person celebration. Send a gift through the mail to show your friend that you are thinking about them. You can also send things like gift cards and there are many gift cards that instantly become available to the recipient. If you send a gift through the mail, just make sure that you put in the order in advance because you want the gift to arrive in time for big day.

You probably already use many of these strategies with your friends and loved ones, making it easier to take your use of them to the next level. Just remember that a little time being together in-person is important to catch up on the most important things that are happening in everyone’s lives. However, when you use the strategies above, you can keep a strong bond and let all of your friends know that you care and are thinking about them whether you only see each other once a year or you are able to get together on a monthly basis.

References:

http://psychcentral.com/lib/the-care-and-maintenance-of-friendship/