5 ways to successfully maintain close friendships in your 30s
Whether you've just turned the big 3-0 or have been slowly making your way down the slippery slide that is your 30s, we're sure no one prepared you for the drastic changes in your social life. As we creep towards our 30s, things seem to be getting in the way and your friend pool seems to be drying up! While some get married, few move away, a fair few are still all about climbing the corporate ladder and others start welcoming babies.?Whatever the case, it becomes supremely challenging to keep up with your friends as new responsibilities emerge and priorities change in your 30s.?
If you are left dreading the eventual loss of friendships or you've been wondering, 'Where did my friends go away?', it's time to take some action. Here are 5 ways that you can successfully maintain friendships in your 30s with minimal effort.
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1) Adjust your expectations
As you grow older, you need to realise your close friendships are now going to look very different than when you were younger. In their 30s, most people have a huge change in their priorities, whether they are taking care of their young children or putting their focus towards their career, and your friends are probably not going to be able to hang out with you every weekend. If you understand the new scheme of things you can smoothly transition into the new reality.
2) Remind them how special they are
In your 30s your focus completely shifts away from yourself either towards your kids or your spouse's well-being. At this time, it is always good to remind your friends how special they are and how much they matter! A quick voice message or a heartwarming gesture conveying your feelings is all you need to bring a smile to their face and make their day.
3) Schedule regular video calls
Times change, friends move away and life gets in the way of your regular plans. In your 30s, it is extremely difficult to manage a bunch of things and make time for a meet-up with your friend. Sometimes no matter how much you want to or how hard you try, your schedule just doesn't align with them. In those cases plan a virtual friend date or get on a quick video call and get in touch with them from the comfort of your home! By scheduling regular video calls, you can easily keep up with your friends even if you can't meet with them.
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4) Visit old haunts whenever you can
If the stars have aligned and somehow you've managed to schedule a meet-up with your friend, first of all, congratulations! What you've accomplished is no easy task so give yourself a pat on the back. Now rather than going someplace new or just grabbing lunch at the nearest restaurant, tap into the silly memories of your 20s and visit a place that you used to frequent together or one that holds a special place in your heart and rehash the times gone by!
5) Celebrate each other with thoughtful gifts
If you are on video calls all day for work and just can't tolerate looking at the screen for one more minute than necessary, consider sending your friend a small gift as a gesture to honour your friendship. Something as small as ordering them a cup of their favourite coffee on a busy morning or a surprise photo album of all your great photos can go a long way to show how much you care about them. These little gestures easily let your friend know that you are thinking about them, no matter how busy you are!
While we understand how difficult it can be to be able to stay in touch and maintain close friendships in your 30s when you feel life keeps pulling you away in 10 different directions all at the same time, it is your intention to keep up with your friend that will make all difference! No matter how busy you are try to take 5 minutes of your day to drop a quick message or share a funny meme with your friend to remind your friend that you are thinking of them. Sometimes that's all it takes!
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