Coffee or lunch with friends have become the main ways I stay in touch with friends. We don't do it often enough. It sounds silly that in retirement we should still have busy schedules that interfere, but it's true! You've prompted me Judy to get out my calendar to see when I can set a few more dates.
So true! I definitely try to be more intentional in staying connected and in touch in person. I finally was able to have lunch with an old colleague last week after nearly two years of virtual chats and zoom meetings. It was so special to finally be together in the same air space and hug!
I think this is such an important topic, Judy! So many of my adult friendships were based around work, so I was worried about how retirement would change that.
So worried that, like you, I decided I had to be intentional about building/maintaining friendships. I'm having breakfast with one friend tomorrow and drinks with another this afternoon. I'm pleased with the progress, but your post immediately brought to mind other former co-workers that I miss and to whom I need to reach out.
It's easy to feel like, 'they're busy, they don't have time for me.' But every time I reach out, I find they are thrilled with the chance to talk to someone OUTSIDE work! (And maybe our conversation gives them a chance to live vicariously through my retired life!)
It’s great that you’re being intentional about connecting with former co-workers, Tom. I agree that we often convince ourselves that they’re too busy or not interested, but most of our friends welcome an opportunity to reconnect. Thanks for your comment!
Outstanding points Judy. I find that keeping up with long time friends requires more discipline than I expected. Coffee dates are good… low impact and low cost.
Do you use Zoom or Google Meet to keep up with distant contacts? I have done a little of that… need to be more consistent. A once-a-month Friday morning meeting can maybe work.
So true, Curt. I haven’t used zoom or google meets to connect with friend who have moved away. It’s challenge enough to get together with friends who still live close by! Thanks for your comment!
Coffee or lunch with friends have become the main ways I stay in touch with friends. We don't do it often enough. It sounds silly that in retirement we should still have busy schedules that interfere, but it's true! You've prompted me Judy to get out my calendar to see when I can set a few more dates.
I’ve prompted myself to do the same, Nancy! Happy lunching!
So true! I definitely try to be more intentional in staying connected and in touch in person. I finally was able to have lunch with an old colleague last week after nearly two years of virtual chats and zoom meetings. It was so special to finally be together in the same air space and hug!
Awesome, Judi! You are an inspiration!
I think this is such an important topic, Judy! So many of my adult friendships were based around work, so I was worried about how retirement would change that.
So worried that, like you, I decided I had to be intentional about building/maintaining friendships. I'm having breakfast with one friend tomorrow and drinks with another this afternoon. I'm pleased with the progress, but your post immediately brought to mind other former co-workers that I miss and to whom I need to reach out.
It's easy to feel like, 'they're busy, they don't have time for me.' But every time I reach out, I find they are thrilled with the chance to talk to someone OUTSIDE work! (And maybe our conversation gives them a chance to live vicariously through my retired life!)
It’s great that you’re being intentional about connecting with former co-workers, Tom. I agree that we often convince ourselves that they’re too busy or not interested, but most of our friends welcome an opportunity to reconnect. Thanks for your comment!
Outstanding points Judy. I find that keeping up with long time friends requires more discipline than I expected. Coffee dates are good… low impact and low cost.
Do you use Zoom or Google Meet to keep up with distant contacts? I have done a little of that… need to be more consistent. A once-a-month Friday morning meeting can maybe work.
So true, Curt. I haven’t used zoom or google meets to connect with friend who have moved away. It’s challenge enough to get together with friends who still live close by! Thanks for your comment!