You’ve Got a Friend in Me

Does anyone else remember the 80’s commercials from AT&T “Reach out and touch someone?” There are a million reasons, especially now during Covid, we don’t talk to our friends as much as we’d like. Just like any relationship, communication is key. Often time we take our friendships for granted. But friendships, just like anything else in our life require attention, love and effort in order to blossom. And a big part of the success of our friendships is how much we communicate.

Many times you really want to catch up with a friend but think to yourself, “there’s so much to catch up on, I don’t have time to do that right now.” Or you avoid reaching out because you feel guilt associated with not having called in forever, or you missed an important moment.

But talking to our friends doesn’t have to be this grand thing. We can make it consistent, easy, and effortless. There are so many tools at our disposal for quickly and easily talking to our friends no matter where they are. For example, how often does something funny come into your brain and you think about your friend? Next time try shooting a quick text or social media post sharing with them that thought. Send a handwritten note out of the blue letting them know you are grateful for their friendship. Small, consistent gestures go a long way.

Ultimately you don’t want to rely on social media or text messages to get you up to speed on your friends. Schedule time to call or visit. Yes, I said schedule – just like you would schedule a doctor’s appointment. It’s OK to schedule attention to your friendships. You’re busy, so are they, but you certainly don’t want to let your friendships go to the wayside because of school, work, travel, or stress. So, reach out and touch an old friend this week!

Do you talk to your friends as much as you want to?

Up and up!