by Lillyswawa

Created on: September 20, 2010

Over the years we humans collect a lot of things. Furniture, photographs, funny papers. And old friends. Sadly, it is not always so easy to hang on to those old friends, unless we are prepared to make a deliberate effort.

There are a few ways, at least, to see that the old college buddies and neighborhood pals of the past don't get shoved to life's back burner.

* A phone call once every month will keep you up on the latest news and allow at least a bit of of time to share feelings and concerns for one another. Best girlfriends from high school days should really make an attempt to not allow too much time to pass before speaking again. This is not the same as an e-mail.

E-mails are great for passing on recipes and sharing recent photos of the kids and grand kids but, the method does not adequately substitute for a real heart-to-heart over the phone (when at a distance) or, face-to-face, if living in close proximity.

* A visit taken once every year, whenever possible and time (and budget) permits. Alternate who plays host. You this year, them next time! Then, make some very special plans for when you do finally get to spend the time together.

There are folks who seem to make every major life event, - graduations, weddings, funerals. Yet, they hardly think to get together "just because", "whenever". There should not have to be an occasion or national holiday to bring people who care together; - especially, people who are closer with one another than they are to their own blood siblings, - having shared everything from the joy of a first high school romance to the heartbreak of a military son or daughter lost in battle.

* A special vacation planned together to do JUST what the two of you would most enjoy in a place you both would love to see, - and just never got the chance! While on a neat "get-away", you will have time to devote to some real quality "catching up", as well as being in just the right place for some heavy duty shopping and lunching,- IF you're both into that sort of thing!

Maybe, you both love to ski and haven't had the chance since "schooldays". Pick a place you have yet to ski..., yet both can afford! Or, you might consider taking that trip to Europe you have always talked about, but never got around to since you both got married instead!

There are so many alternatives but, the main thing is that you MAKE A PLAN to do it, or it probably won't happen.

(And, oh yes,... be sure to e-mail a forwarding address whenever moving to that new home you plan on getting, - just as soon as you can "unload" the current one!)

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