There are few things more annoying than someone, especially a friend, being “too busy” to hang out or simply talk. Some might think pulling the “busy” card is just an excuse for lack of interest in maintaining that friendship. But we’re now living in the “acceleration society”, as Hartmut Rosa, a German social theorist, likes to call it. Constantly on the run, rushing to get more things done, multitasking to the maximum, we usually tend to forget the things that matter the most in life.
Don’t let your friends feel neglected. When we are young, our friends mean the world to us. As we grow older and start building our career and a serious relationship, most people tend to leave their friends on the side. Even though you might be too busy most of the times, there are ways to squeeze in time for friendships.
Here are a few excellent ways to be a good friend despite the hectic schedule:
1. Call Them
This is the most basic thing you could do to show your friends you care. Even if you don’t have the time for an actual get-together, you can always pick up the phone. Spare a few minutes and give your friends a buzz. Ask them about their day and what’s new in their life. Be sure to let them know you are still thinking about them.
2. Use Social Media
Social media is a great way to keep up with what your family and friends are doing. You can exchange photos, videos, texts, emojis, and other fun stuff to keep all of you entertained. Social media is also a great tool to use when you have friends abroad, and you want to keep in touch no matter the distance. Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, are just some of the many social networks people across the globe use daily.
Get on Skype and take advantage of video calls. The service and free and it’s available to anyone who has a Skype account and a webcam or a smartphone. That means pretty much anyone.
And while it’s true that you can’t replace real life interaction with videos, photos, or text messages, it’s the best alternative when too busy to meet with your friends.
3. Plan a Barbeque
Barbecues or picnic are a pleasant way to spend quality time with your loved ones. Being outdoors, enjoying a good meal in great company, these are some of the finer things in life. Plan in advance and choose a date that works for all of you.
Cook something delicious, get your picnic basket and enjoy each second of the precious time you spend with your friends.
4. Plan a Workout
More and more people devote time to keeping themselves fit and healthy. This means going for a run in the nearby park or hitting the gym. Why go alone when you can take a friend with you? Getting a gym/jogging buddy can be beneficial in more ways than one. You two can motivate yourselves and end up exercising even more.
Give your friend a call and set up a “fitness date”. Surprise them with a homemade energy drink and get ready to sweat away all the daily stress.
5. Go Shopping
Going shopping is something we do once every few days. And we sometimes spend lots of time in the supermarket or the hypermarket when going grocery shopping. Take a friend with you and catch up on missing time while buying food for the week.
Another great idea would be to invite a friend when going shopping for clothes. It’s a lot more pleasant, and you get sincere advice on what you plan to buy for yourself. Take advantage of the fact that malls have coffeehouses and get a drink with your friend.
