As an introvert, I can go for months before I realize I haven’t connected with a friend or family member. Grandma has been known to say, "I can never get a hold of you."

So now in my calendar I have times to call my Mom, Grandma and Sister so I connect regularly.

I also have time on my calendar to plan time with friends. And I have a friends list where I keep people I want to keep in touch with. Don’t think you need a friend’s list? Have you ever realized a year has gone by and you haven’t gotten together with a friend? If people are important to you why not make it easier to stay connected?

This also helps with aquaintances that you would love to turn into friends. Studies show that the more people get together, the sooner they become closer friends. Even if it’s in a group. Who would you love to become closer with?

When we get busy, hanging out with friends is often the first thing to go. I like to have standing dates to get together with someone every other week for coffee. Or a monthly walking date with someone. It helps with the back and forth of planning time together.

And you can add friends to things you are doing anyway – exercising, eating, shopping, socializing after a meeting you have to attend.

For those of you already naturally sociable, how do you stay connected with the ones you love?

One of the premises of simple living is that people are always more important than things. If you spend most of your time playing with technology, working or maintaining your home and stuff you have less time more relationships.

Periodically checking in on your relationships can be an important as a physical check up. Think about each of your relationships and answer these questions in your journal or just in your head.

• When was the last time you spoke to this person?
• When was the last time you saw this person?
• Are you having deep, meaningful conversations or superficial ones?
• Do you feel you are supporting this person?
• Are you feeling supported by this person?
• Do you feel more energy or less energy when you are with this person?
• Are you usually annoyed or thankful around this person?
• How are you treating each other?
• Are you mainly complaining or complimentary?

Are there any changes you would like to make?

***

Photo by: Make Less Noise