Friendship Maintenance 101: Staying Close Even When You’re Swamped
Life can get pretty hectic, right? Between work, family, errands, and just trying to have some “me time,” it often feels like there’s little room left to nurture new friendships. But here’s the thing: those relationships are worth it! Staying connected with new friends can bring so much joy and support to our lives. The challenge is figuring out how to do it when everyone’s schedules are packed.
At A Party of Eight, we’re all about helping women make meaningful connections and keeping those relationships strong—even in the midst of a busy life. So, we’ve pulled together some simple yet powerful strategies to help you stay connected with new friends, no matter how full your calendar might be.
Schedule Regular Check-Ins
Let’s be real—friendships don’t just maintain themselves. A quick text or message to say, “Hey, I was thinking about you,” can go a long way in showing someone you care. It doesn’t have to be anything major; just a little nudge to remind them that they’re on your mind. If both of you have jam-packed schedules, consider setting up a recurring reminder on your phone to reach out. Even a monthly check-in can keep your friendship strong and show that you’re making an effort.
Plan Low-Pressure Hangouts
When you’re trying to keep up with new friends, every hangout doesn’t have to be a grand event. Keep it simple! Invite them over for coffee, go for a quick walk during lunch, or catch up while running errands together. Low-pressure, everyday activities are often the best way to stay connected without overcomplicating things. These casual meetups fit more naturally into your routine and make it easier to say, “Yes, I can do that!”
Get Group Involved
Want to spend time with multiple friends but don’t have endless free time? Host a group hangout! Plan a casual dinner, start a book club, or organize a fun activity like a hike or picnic. Group gatherings are a fantastic way to bring people together, catch up with multiple friends at once, and introduce new friends to each other. That way, even when your time is limited, you’re still cultivating your social circle and creating meaningful connections.
Make Use of Shared Interests
What’s one thing that’s guaranteed to bring people together? Shared interests! Maybe you both love the same fitness class or have a favorite coffee spot in town. Find activities you both enjoy and turn them into standing “friend dates.” Even better, invite other new friends to join in on your shared interests—it’s a natural way to stay connected and keep the friendship growing.
Don’t Underestimate the Power of Small Gestures
Staying connected doesn’t always have to mean long conversations or face-to-face meetups. A simple “Hey, saw this and thought of you” text, sharing an article they might like, or even tagging them in a funny meme on social media can strengthen the bond. It shows that they’re on your mind, even when life gets busy. These little acts of thoughtfulness remind your friends that you value and appreciate them.
Be Honest About Your Schedule
It’s okay to admit when your calendar is overflowing. One of the most important aspects of maintaining friendships is setting realistic expectations. Let your friends know that even if you can’t always be physically present, you’re still invested in the friendship. A little honesty goes a long way, and they’ll likely appreciate your transparency. It also helps to plan ahead—if you know your weeks are filling up, suggest scheduling something further down the line. Your friends will understand, and it helps avoid the awkward “let’s get together soon” that never happens.
Try New Things Together
One of the best parts of new friendships is exploring shared adventures! Try something new together, like attending a local event, taking a cooking class, or checking out a new restaurant. Not only will you have fun, but it will also create memorable experiences that you both can look back on. If schedules don’t align perfectly, plan an activity that you can both look forward to in the future—it gives you something exciting to talk about and plan for!
Staying connected with new friends can feel challenging in a world where everyone is juggling so much. But with a little effort and creativity, it’s totally doable. Remember, it’s not about how much time you spend together—it’s about the quality of those moments and the intention behind them. By prioritizing even small actions and keeping communication open, you’ll build and maintain friendships that last.
We’d love to see you try them out at one of our A Party of Eight dinners, where you can meet new friends and start forming connections that fit your life—even when things get busy. Because no matter how hectic things get, meaningful friendships are always worth it.
