Friendship Do Over

 I will first like to thank my avid reader who suggested I write a “Friendship Do Over” post.

Stuff happens... Life happens. Have you ever fallen out of touch with friends you’ve genuinely love? Due to an array of circumstances from work, personal life, location, children, or whatever is thrown your way.

Everywhere in Trinidad is close enough, yet it still feels impossible to see them at the end of a traffic crushing work day. There are just so many commitments and curve balls in life that even when you have the best intentions, sometimes your friendships don't take first priority, as you get older, different things start to take priority.

As someone in their mid-thirties, I am the first to admit, the years of spending whole weekends joined at the hip with friends are reserved for younger people. As everyone starts to get their own lives — mortgages, promotions, marriages, babies — “liming” or hanging out with friends isn’t on your schedule. But it’s in our DNA to be social persons, and at times you need your friends to discuss critical issues, debate serious items or even ask for necessary advice. If you're looking to reconnect with an old friend, here are some ways you can do that.

1. Pick up the phone and make a call

If you miss an old friend and are struggling to catch up, doing so can be as easy as placing a phone call. Lost their phone number? Search them out on the social media websites and send a message.  Reminisce on the fun experiences you both shared together!

2. Be patient

If your friend has been MIA be empathetic and patient when you're reaching out. Don't expect your friend to just jump and drop everything instantly as soon as you come calling. These things take time, and you can't just snap your fingers and hope that your friend is available.

3. Tell them you miss them

Instead of just telling your friend "We should catch up," let them know how important that is to you. It's not just a casual meet up, it's a long overdue meeting of two people who love and miss each other, so make that clear. This way, you can both make reconnecting a real priority.

4. Pick something you both loved to do together

Do you have a favorite restaurant or sushi bar? An activity that the two of you used to do together before life got in the way.

5. Make it all about the two of you

Don't try and fit your friend into an occasion with other friends. Don't say, "Oh I'll be here with these people at this time, you should come." Make it about just the two of you. Set aside time where you can just talk to one another, even if it's only for an hour.

6. Like Nike says, “Just do it”

Don't say you will and then procrastinate over when, or change plans at the last minute. If you want to see your friend that you miss, go see your friend that you miss. Make a time, be decisive, and stick to the plan. JUST DO IT!

Thanks again RA for your suggestion and I hope this helps you reconnect with persons who you miss in your life!

Keep the comments coming ladies and gentlemen and let me know what else should be a do over!