A friendship takes two, right? Why is it that some people can’t be bothered to make an effort to sustain a relationship? It’s not intentional you say, your life is busy. What kind of excuse is that, especially after retirement? One day you are going to need a friend, and no one will be there for you.
Time communicating with friends and family should never take a back to seat to “busywork.” Saying that you have nothing to say is a poor excuse. You’d have to live in a vacuum for that to be true. Life is full of things to share.
Researchers tell us that that social relationships are important to health and wellbeing. If that isn’t enough to pique your interest, what is?
Social circles dwindle over time. Alas, friends move away, enter retirement homes, succumb to dementia, or die. Holding on to friends, new and old, is all you have left.
A friendship takes two. If you always start your letters or phone calls with apologies and excuses, you aren’t a very good friend. Making new friends falls into the same category. People complain about being lonely but are reluctant to meet or greet. It takes an effort to nurture relationships. You are being remiss if you always leave it to the other guy to initiate.
For older people it often means establishing or re-establishing long-distance friendships. It can be quite satisfying if you are willing to do the work.
Stay in touch, one way or another. A letter can be just as satisfying as a luncheon date, but not if you wait two months to answer. Reach out, stay in touch regularly. So many options: Plan visits when possible or let technology do the work (video chatting, phone calls, e-mails, text messaging, Facebook), so easy. Tell someone you are thinking about them today.
It is sad indeed if you feel you are too busy to take 10 minutes to jot a note, send a text, or leave a voice message. If you know people who make you feel good, uplift your spirit and share your passions, you should keep them close.
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