How can I honor old friendships, yet still have time to keep in touch with all the great new friends I meet?

Make new friends


But keep the old


The first is silver


The last is gold





I am having a tough time keeping up with old friends and still having time to hang out with all the great new friends I am meeting. As a full-time working mother, it is becoming harder and harder to find time to nurture ANY kind of friendship with all that is going on, but I know that it is very important not to get caught up and lose touch. I thought of creating a schedule for when I should contact my friends, but this just seems so very "unfriendly". In my mind, the whole thing is supposed to be sort of a "been thinkin' about ya... how are ya?!" Kind of thing. It feels weird to have to schedule or "pencil in" my friends! Why is this so hard for me? When I was in high school, the first thing I'd want to do is get on the phone. Now the time investment just seems so high when balanced with kid's homework, his activities, etc. Sorry for the babble. Any answer will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

How can I honor old friendships, yet still have time to keep in touch with all the great new friends I meet?
As a mother you don't have to spend full time with any of your friends. Calling, writing notes or sending cards regularly keeps you in touch with them without stealing quality time from your family. If you agree to meet, schedule it ahead so you could find someone to be with the kids. Have the meeting only for a few hours, so you could concentrate on re-bonding. A personal schedule for contacting your friends would be nice - especially when you have to take time to buy presents or cards for an upcoming occasion or celebration.
Reply:there really is no solution to your problem cause we are having problems with the word, "busy" and its really hard, but if i were your friend its enough that you would try to actually contact me, when you have the time and place me in your schedule
Reply:My mom's always talkign abotu how she misses being able to talk to some of her old friends, and she regrets not trying to contact them...





Personally, I think it's great that you're actually putting out the effort to get into contact with them. Maybe you're a bit busier now... a lot busier, and probably more tired, but at least you try, right?





Now, with the wonders of e-mail, it's alot easier to get in contact. You know all those times after the kid(s) are asleep and you've got nothing to do? A quick e-mail's always the easiest solution. Just a quick 'Hi!' when you've got the time is great.
Reply:I don't know why it's hard. I have 4 kids and time for my friends. You must be doing something wrong.
Reply:How about if any of your friends have kids you have your kids have a playdate and do there homework and activities together...that way you have a life and so does your kid!