You have a busy life. How do you make time for friendships?

(Part two)

Continuing from April’s post, I thought I’d share some more ideas to help you make time for friends and friendships. Some will be easier/better than others...so make it work or you! If connecting with friends is important to you, here’s a few more ideas you can borrow.

Establish a routine for connection
Create a habit of connecting with friends regularly, such as a weekly phone call or monthly meet-up. If you follow a consistent schedule you'll get into the habit of making friendships remain a priority in your lives.

Here’s a thought: if there’s a neighbourhood bar with great food/great music, how about setting up a standing date to meet after work on the last Friday of the month?

Host group gatherings
Is it possible to organize gatherings that include a few friends at once? Think dinner parties or casual get-togethers. This one’s a bit trickier, because you have to make sure everyone gets along, and will want to hang out with the others.

In the summer I like to have a fire in the backyard on the weekend. I often invite friends to join me for a glass of wine by the fire. And sometimes, other ladies invite themselves (which makes my day.) Some friends know each other; others have become friends this way. Something like this might work for you.

Integrate friendships into daily activities
Combine social time with routine tasks. Invite friends to join you for workouts, grocery shopping, or even errands. It’s a double-win: you get stuff done, AND you get to spend time with a friend!

Yes: I've actually gone on "IKEA dates" with a friend :-)

Make time count when you’re together
When you do meet up, focus on meaningful conversations and shared experiences that strengthen your bond. Be present.

I have one friend that has an insane busy life. And yet she makes time to come out on the weekend. She tells me “I have 2 hours today”, or “I HAVE to leave by 9 pm.” And that’s just fine. Because I know she’s 100% there for those 2 hours.

Schedule Check-Ins
When time is REALLY tight, even a short message or quick call will do. Sending a text during a lunch break or a voice message while commuting can show your friends they’re on your mind.

The point with all these “strategies” is to actually do them. Because at the end of the day, friendships do require work. They don’t just happen by magic. So yes, you will have to be the adult and get out the calendar. But trust me-you’ll be glad.