- Life gets hectic, but friendships don’t have to fade away
- Prioritise friendships like any other commitment
- Here are some tips on how to keep your friendships alive
Friendships can seem like an afterthought in today's hectic world, where obligations, deadlines, and personal objectives demand our attention all the time.
However, friendships are essential to our emotional health because they provide us with joy, support, and a feeling of community.
Does your hectic schedule make it difficult for you to stay in touch with your friends? You're not alone.
The good thing is that friendships don't have to end when life becomes busy.
No matter how hectic your schedule is, TheRadar has compiled tips on how to nurture and sustain meaningful connections, no matter how packed your schedule is.
Tips to keep friendships alive
1. Prioritise friendships like any other commitment
The key to keeping friendships alive is to treat them as priorities, not as optional extras.
Just as you schedule meetings, workouts, or self-care routines, set aside time for friends. It could be a monthly catch-up, a weekly call, or even a daily check-in via text. The effort to schedule and honour this time shows that you value the friendship.
2. Leverage technology to stay connected
Thanks to technology, staying in touch has never been easier. A simple “How are you?” message or a voice note can go a long way towards maintaining friendships.
3. Embrace quality over quantity
The significance of your interactions is more important in a friendship than the frequency of your meetings. Make sure your conversations are sincere and purposeful, even if you don't speak every day.
4. Find shared activities
Look for ways to include friendships in your everyday life if time is limited. Incorporate socialising into routines you already engage in, like working out, running errands, or sharing lunches.
5. Be understanding and flexible
If a friend cancels plans or doesn't reply to your messages, don't take it personally; everyone is balancing obligations. Be patient instead of feeling abandoned, and talk honestly about how you two can work things out.
6. Send thoughtful gestures
Small gestures go a long way in keeping friendships alive. Even if you can’t meet often, showing that you care strengthens the bond.
7. Plan regular catch-ups in advance
With hectic schedules, it may be challenging to have impromptu meetings. It's better to prepare in advance. Plan regular get-togethers with friends, such as quarterly trips, monthly meals, or yearly vacations.
8. Be honest about your availability
Be specific about the time and method of connection rather than making ambiguous statements like "We should catch up soon." Being truthful also helps to establish clear expectations and avoid misunderstandings.
9. Don’t let guilt get in the way
Friendships might occasionally experience quiet periods as life becomes hectic. Don't let your guilt keep you from reaching out. Re-establishing the connection can be as easy as saying, "I know it's been a while, but I miss you.”
10. Recognise when to let go
Not every friendship is designed to last, even though the effort in keeping it is crucial. If a friendship seems unbalanced or no longer enriches your life, it's acceptable to let it go amicably.
10 books on female friendship by Nigerian authors
In an earlier report, TheRadar compiled a list of ten compelling books by Nigerian authors that explore the depths of female friendship.
Nigerian authors have explored this theme with sensitivity and depth, creating rich narratives that reflect the complexities, strengths, and opportunities for growth that exist within these relationships.
The titles include Stay With Me, The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives, Under the Udala Tree, The Girl With Louding Voice, and 6 others.