Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Easy Gestures to Nurture Friendships

Let's face it--we're all busy. It doesn't matter if you're a student, a single person with a full-time job, married with kids, married without kids, or even retired, you have responsibilities. It's difficult to add one more thing to your day.


Friendships tend to be the first thing I neglect when I'm busy. I make fewer (or no) phone calls and reach out less in general. Sadly, I've been in a busy phase for more than a year, and I don't see that letting up. I have a goal to meet my family's needs and my writing needs, but that leaves little time for anything else. However, I love my family and friends, and I have to be diligent to not neglect them.

Here are some easy gestures to keep friendships simmering when we don't have time to keep them boiling.

* E-mail them a cute card with a simple message "Hey, I'm thinking of you."
* Don't be afraid to call a friend if you only have ten minutes to talk. They'll be happy to hear from you even if it can't be an hour conversation. Too often, I put off a call thinking I don't have time, but ten minutes is better than no minutes.
* If your budget allows, purchase an i-Tunes gift card and send it with a note, suggesting old songs you used to belt out together in the car, or if it's a newer friend, recommend contemporary artists.
* If you, like me, have a hefty stack of magazines, dog-ear pages that might appeal to a close friend or family member. Tear these pages out before recycling the magazine. When you have time, send the clippings.
* For long distance friends, consider creating a Facebook account and keeping up with them through it. I've been able to reconnect with many old classmates this way.

Why are these gestures important? Friends are important.

And if you don't believe me, read this interesting article by Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness Project, where she shares her second simple truth. "One of the best ways to make yourself happy is to make other people happy; One of the best ways to make other people happy is to be happy yourself."

Does it brighten your day when a friend reaches out to you, even if it's a simple e-mail?

Join me on Friday for Jody Hedlund's virtual book party! I hope you all can make it!

18 comments:

  1. An email gesture is a smile maker if you're in the throes of stress juggling

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  2. Jill, I love that happiness quote.
    Thank you:-)

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  3. Good morning!
    CJ: "The throes of stress juggling" Oh, I get that. I get that!

    Paul: I do too. Gretchen's blog is always a mood-booster.

    Thanks so much for stopping by!

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  4. Oh, yes, it does minister to me, and I thank you for this timely post, dear. I recently decided that I am way too self-centered. That must change. I mean, I must change that.

    Love,
    Jen

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  5. I love to get a quick email note, just to know that I crossed someone's mind today (and that it was a positive experience ;) )

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  6. Ah, friendship is so important to me. I need to make more of a point to nurture my friendships. Thanks for the reminder.

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  7. These are wonderful suggestions, Jill! I have a lot of close friends and sometimes I do feel overwhelmed trying to keep in touch with everyone. I want to be there to help, but sometimes it's just not possible. I'm so using some of these! Thanks!

    Have a great day,
    Jackee

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  8. I love the idea of sharing magazines! I throw so many away.

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  9. Jen: Okay, I disagree! You're always generous online, and I'm sure that comes across in real life too. :)

    Erica: Yes! It makes my day too!

    Susan: You and me both. I struggle to make the effort, but when I do take the time, I always feel great.

    Jackee: I get very overwhelmed. I'm trying, though!

    T.Anne: I rip out pages and throw them in a bin. Every so often, I'll go through the bin and send a few pictures or articles out.

    Thanks so much for stopping by!

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  10. Thanks for the great advice. Friendship is so important, and it's too easy to get busy and not find time for friends. It's so true that an email or note from a friend brings a smile.

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  11. Hi Jill -

    I love your line about keeping a friendship simmering if not boiling.

    Today, I received an email from a customer service person, letting me know they were still working on my situation. Communication is vital to the success of a business, and it's critical to relationships.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  12. It always makes me smile when a friend takes a minute to say hello. I try to do this for others, but it does get lost in my busy schedule. I think portions of my schedule need to be reassessed. Good post, thanks:)
    Blessings,
    Karen

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  13. Jill, these are all great tips. I especially love Facebook, because it's quick and easy to connect with others and keep track of what they're doing. You're right, a little bit goes a long way when connecting with friends.

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  14. Always hearing or seeing a friend brightens my day! I like your idea of magazine clippings. It's so much more sweeter than a link in an email!

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  15. Connie: Welcome! I'm guilty of not taking time for my friendships! But they are important to me, so I am making more effort.

    Susan JR: I agree that communication soothes so much not only in friendship but in life.

    Karen L: Same here. It's kind of like exercise--sometimes I'm on, sometimes I'm off!

    Julie: I'm a big fan of Facebook. I didn't think I would be! It's allowed me to reconnect with people I haven't seen in years.

    Lynn: I have a big pile in a basket--I just need to sort and send!

    Thanks so much for stopping by!

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  16. Love the tips and Gretchen's quote is perfect. :)

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  17. Lola: Thanks! I love Gretchen's blog. It always has useful tips and pick-me-up posts!

    Thanks so much for stopping by!

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  18. Jill, you are such a wonderful and loyal bloggite! I LOVE that you did a party for Jody (though I was on a flight to Texas Friday!)

    Sigh. Sometimes it is hard to juggle everything. A phone call or an e-mail means a lot to me when friends are busy!!!

    patti

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