This weekend is Father’s Day and Mother’s Day. The holidays can inspire you to show your love for your parents and to reconnect with old friendships in a natural way.
You might want to reach out to your high school friend who’s now the PTA mom-of-the-year on a date other than her birthday, Christmas or Hanukah. The same goes for your college roommate who is juggling work and family, or your cousin trying to adopt.
Making friends and maintaining relationships is difficult for most of us. We put other priorities first, and then suddenly 10 years pass. Your once best friends have moved on to new phases in life. This doesn’t need to be the case.
Next time you celebrate a special day — like Mother’s Day, or National Donut Day – think about old friends that you could reconnect with. Here are five easy ways to let someone know that you care.
1. Give a Memory
A sentimental gift is a great way to reconnect with someone. Plan on buying a small, meaningful item. Think about the fun times you’ve shared. What was the most memorable trip or adventure? Gifts that represent that memory and include a handwritten vehicle are sure to be appreciated.
You could also send a small photo album containing both your photos.
You can only have friends if you are one yourself.Ralph Waldo Emerson
You can also go for gift cards, if that feels like too much. You don’t need to buy generic gifts. After a wild night out, I remember a fun memory where we went to a drive-through two times in a short period of time. She would probably laugh if she received a credit at that fast-food joint to commemorate that memorable night.
Everybody appreciates a good Gift Card, especially if the brand is carefully chosen.
2. Write a letter
Imagine finding a handwritten note from a friend among your junk mail, grocery circulars and other unwanted items. Wouldn’t you be touched? Handwritten notes on beautiful paper remind us of simpler days, when we did not have email, telephones, or access to all the information available in our pockets.
Writing is also a more intimate form of communication than texting, or even talking on the phone. Your thoughts become tangible when you write them down. The permanence of the paper is very strong. A beautiful stationary can be a wonderful gift. You can give it to your friend as a gift.
3. Surprise your loved ones
A surprise delivery is an excellent way to stay in touch without having any contact. Flowers can make anyone’s day brighter. You can choose from a variety of flowers, including roses, tulips or a beautiful bouquet. They all create a wonderful sensory experience.
You can choose a particular flower based on its meaning. Roses are a symbol of love, while peonies represent good luck. Sending a bunch of forget-me nots to a friend will make you look on the nose.
You don’t have to send flowers if your friend has allergies. You can also send cookies, fruit, nuts, or chocolates if your friend is allergic to flowers (or does not like them).
4. Call or video chat
It’s possible to feel reluctance when calling someone for a reconnection, especially if it has been a long time. You may wonder if your friend really wants to speak to you, or if calling them out of the blue will be an inconvenience. Put those feelings to one side. You are probably overanalyzing.
Calling someone, whether you use the old-fashioned voice-only method or a app that allows you to share videos is a wonderful way to let them know you care.
5. Date a date
Why not arrange to meet up once you have made contact? It’s not necessary to plan a girls’ weekend or hit the clubs (if they still exist). It’s easier to catch up and talk with friends when you have a simpler schedule.
Happiness: Reconnecting to an old friend, and realizing that nothing has changed.
You can plan a picnic, go on a museum tour, hike or watch a concert. Share a few beers in the bar if those options are too intimate. It should be something you both like. This is a wonderful way to strengthen your relationship and rekindle the friendship.
It’s not necessary to throw away old friendships. Reach out. Share your memories. Reconnecting with old friends can bring you happiness for many years to come.