Presented by BetterHelp.
As an adult and a parent, it may be a struggle to find time to keep up with your friends, even when they are important to you. However, it is imperative to do everything you can to make sure that your dear friends know that you care. Meaningful friendships can help you too. Here’s a few ways to consider when you are trying to make more time for friendships.
Keep Up With Your Friends
There may be times when you would love to hang out with people that mean a lot to you, but you are busy with your family life, work, or other projects that you have to complete. When this is the case, you might still have time to check in with your closest friends.
You can take a few moments to text them or send them a DM on their social media accounts. It may mean a lot to them that you reached out when you were thinking about them. Chances are that your friends have busy lives themselves, so they understand that you aren’t available to talk or hang out all the time.
Of course, when you do have the time to talk, you should call and update them on your life and how you have been doing. You can also find out how they are. Even a quick phone call could improve your mood and grow your bond with a friend. Research shows that having friends that you can count on may help you feel happier in life.
For more advice on friendships, read the articles at BetterHelp. They can aid you in keeping your relationships on track.
Invite Them Over
When you have the opportunity to invite friends over to your house, you should take advantage of this. While you may not have time to go out, you might be able to hang out in your home. A trusted friend will likely not have a problem coming to see you at your home, especially if they live nearby.
You can spend this time talking about things, having dinner, or anything else you would like to do. In some cases, a friend with kids can bring them over as well, so your children will be able to hang out and play together too.
Plan Family Nights/Outings
There may be times when you are able to plan family outings or trips with your friends and their families. This will allow all of you to hang out and enjoy each other’s company, as well as spend time with a friend and your family at the same time.
If you and your best friend live far away from each other, planning a vacation together may be one of the only ways that you are able to spend time with them.
Sneak a Coffee or Two
Even if you only have a short time to hang out with a friend, you may be able to grab coffee or lunch every now and then. As an adult, you might find that some of your best friends are the ones that you don’t get to see much, so when you are able to spend time with them, this may feel like a treat to you.
Don’t deny yourself or your friend when it is possible to take a little time to visit with them. It can boost your mood and relieve stress.
Ask for Help
Have you ever felt like you needed a night out but didn’t know how you could accomplish this goal? You may be able to ask a family member or your spouse to watch your kids while you go out with a good friend and have fun. It is okay to take some time for yourself when you feel like you need it; everyone needs a moment for themselves every now and then.
On the other hand, if you are feeling overwhelmed, you may want to talk to a therapist. They should be able to advise you on how to work on time management, meeting goals, getting everything done, and building friendships. Whatever you wish to talk to them about will be okay.
Conclusion
Finding time to check in and spend time with your friends, even your dearest friends, can be challenging. However, when you are able to spare a few minutes, it may be helpful to check in with them, visit anytime it is possible, and talk to a therapist if you want to have the support of your friends but have trouble finding the time to nurture your relationships. A professional should be able to advise you further.
