Are you a good friend? Do you take time to strengthen your friendships?

How often do you say, “Let’s get together soon.” Do you ever follow through with this statement?

Life becomes busier and busier each day, but isn’t it worth taking time for our friends? Isn’t that what life is all about … relationships?

Don’t wait any longer. Strive to be a better friend and to build stronger friendships. While your schedule may limit how many times you can meet in person, you can easily stay connected using technology – text, tweet, Facebook, Facetime, Skype, etc. There’s really no excuse not to strengthen friendships.

Here are 4 steps for stronger friendships.

1- Identify one friendship you want to strengthen.

You may have a list of friends you want to strengthen your relationship with but start with one. In this way, you will focus your effort and be successful. For example, Sarah used to see her good friend, Jane, several times a week before life became busy. Sarah is juggling her career and 3 young children. Jane is divorced and travels often for business. In every holiday card, they always write, “We really need to get together soon.” Sarah will focus her efforts on strengthening her friendship with Jane.

2- Decide your method of communication.

Some people prefer texting. Others prefer email. Some may want to schedule a call or Skype. Technology brings many options for staying connected. Find out which method works best for your friend. Be receptive and flexible in communication.

 

3- Decide how often you will reach out.

Going back to our example, Sarah and Jane both have hectic schedules. Sarah realizes she can only commit to reaching out twice monthly. Depending on Jane’s schedule it may be face-to-face or via phone.

 

4- Begin reaching out.

No need to wait for a new year or new month, just begin reaching out. If you need a reminder, put it on your calendar. Some friendships can easily stop and start. Others take work, especially if you’re in different places in life. If the relationship is important enough to both of you, you’ll find a way to strengthen your friendship.

 

Friendship, like any relationship, takes time and effort from both parties. Make an effort to reach out consistently and watch your friendship grow stronger. Follow me on Twitter for more tweets about the 5 P’s of Life, including Personal Relationships.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Niv PersaudNiv Persaud, CFP®, CDFA™, CRPC®, is the Founder of Transition Planning & Guidance, LLC. Her firm bridges the gap between financial planning and coaching. Life is more than money. It’s about living the lifestyle you want and can afford. For that reason, she offers consulting services in three areas: financial review, life strategy and professional progression. Her approach capitalizes on techniques she learned throughout her career, including as a management consultant and as a financial advisor. Her services include spending plan, financial plan, divorce financial review, life strategy and professional progression. Niv actively gives back to her community through her volunteer efforts. She believes in living life to the fullest by cherishing friendships, enjoying the beauty of nature and laughing often — even at herself. Her favorite quote is by Erma Bombeck, “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say ‘I used everything you gave me’.”