Life gets hectic. Between work, family, and personal responsibilities, it’s easy to let friendships slip. But strong connections are vital for our well-being. The Atlantic’s writers and editors share their unique strategies for staying in touch, proving that maintaining friendships doesn’t require grand gestures, but rather small, meaningful interactions.
Mark Leibovich, a staff writer, highlights the power of spontaneous connections. He recounts a phone call sparked by a song, a shared memory of a beloved pet, and a quick chat that brought immense joy to both him and his friend. This simple interaction underscores the importance of reaching out when a friend pops into your mind.
For Faith Hill, a staff writer, movie nights offer a perfect balance of shared experience and relaxed conversation. Using the Mubi Go app, she and her friends enjoy regular movie outings, followed by discussions and shared opinions. This structured approach guarantees regular meetups without the pressure of extensive planning.
Genevieve Finn, an assistant editor, finds a low-pressure, high-reward approach in dog park visits. She combines socializing with her dog and friends, enjoying the casual people-watching and easy conversation that unfolds while their dogs play. This communal activity provides a relaxed setting for catching up.
Will Gordon, a senior associate editor, leverages shared interests in books, music, and shows to connect with friends, near and far. He emphasizes that even differing tastes can lead to engaging conversations and shared experiences, as he discovered when he reluctantly joined a friend’s horror movie marathon, ultimately expanding his cinematic horizons.
Julie Beck, a staff writer, champions the “snack-size” phone call, a quick and spontaneous chat that combats the tendency towards overly scheduled, lengthy phone conversations. These brief calls, she argues, are a delightful way to maintain connections while juggling daily life.
These diverse strategies demonstrate that staying connected with friends doesn’t require grand gestures or huge time commitments. It’s about finding small, meaningful ways to nurture those relationships, whether through spontaneous calls, shared movie nights, casual dog park hangs, or discussions about shared interests. The key is intentionality – making the effort to reach out and to truly connect, however you best relate.
Beyond these personal insights, The Atlantic also offers some recommended cultural events for a fun-filled weekend: a comedy film starring Paul Rudd and Tim Robinson, the second season of the mystery series *Poker Face*, and a new album from the indie-rock band Arcade Fire. Additionally, a thought-provoking essay explores the resurgence of generic grocery store brands and a stunning photo album showcases the winning entries of the GDT Nature Photographer of the Year competition. Enjoy!
