We all say it. Most of us probably mean it. Half of us fall of the wagon and lose touch with once-close friends. Sadly, it's far too easy to do in these busy lives we lead.
I often wonder why I lose touch with friends I once spent so much time with. We shared memories, good times, and bonded. Weeks, months go by and....nothing. It's not like this is something entirely new to me, but that doesn't really make it any easier.
For the most part, I'm a people pleaser. I want people to like me {even though I'm terribly awkward sometimes}. I want people to want to spend time with me, spontaneously or not. I mean, I don't want to hang out with all people, all the time {hi, introvert over here!}, but I do want friends that I can spend time with. So, when friends leave or move on, it's often difficult for me to accept that I'm no longer a part of their life.
There are few people that I've actually been great at keeping up with. However, these are the people that also keep up with me. You see, it's a two-way street. It can't be wholly one-sided. Recently, I've felt very one-sided in a couple friendships. Reaching out, sending emails, cards, etc., only to barely receive a "thank you." Maybe it's unintentional. Maybe it's got nothing to do with me. But the over-analyzing, introvert me thinks, "it must be me." And then goes on to try and figure out what I did wrong to cause this problem in the first place.
Basically? It's more than a little hurtful. If I reach out {which does take a lot for me -- #introverprobz}, then it means I want to maintain a close relationship with that person. It doesn't mean I just want to keep in touch for the sake of knowing what that person is up to, and nothing more. It means I genuinely care. To not have that reciprocated is frustrating and upsetting.
For the past couple of weeks, Mrs. C has called a time or two. They moved from Hawaii a few months before we did, and I think we've done very well at keeping up with each other. We text, call, and have even Skyped once! {Which was a totally new experience for our relationship, considering we'd lived within 30 minutes of each other for 3 years.} I had honestly worried when they moved that we'd somehow lose touch. At least so far that hasn't happened, and I'm very thankful for it! I'm really thankful that she remembers to call me, too, because I can be very bad about that sort of thing.
How do you keep in touch with friends who have moved away or moved on? Are you good or terrible with keeping in touch?
