Meeting up with friends over winter can be a challenge, especially if getting in touch means traveling through snow and ice. This means that as the world thaws, you can start warming up relationships that might have gone untended.
Reach out
The first step to reconnecting is to make contact, whether that's by email, phone or social media. If you haven't spoken to the person in a while, reaching out on Facebook might be easiest - the platform is casual and less intimidating that speaking on the phone may be. However, for friends you speak with regularly, phoning is the best option. At the end of the day, choose the avenue that's most appropriate for your relationship.
Additionally, have a game plan for what you want to say or accomplish during the conversation. For instance, you might have a meetup idea you want to run by your friend. Or, you might just want to catch up via phone.
Acknowledge distance
Whether winter got in the way or you and your friend experienced some tension, bring up the fact that you haven't seen each other in a little while. Take ownership for your part and express your desire to prioritize your friendship this spring. Of course, only do so if you're willing to take time to develop the connection. You don't want to set the other person's expectation high and then disappoint.
Friends are just a phone call away.
Make plans
Even though springtime makes meeting up with friends easier, life doesn't slow down this time of year. That's why making concrete plans is important. That way, kids, work, school, and other responsibilities don't get in the way of rekindling friendships. Let your friend know you want to schedule a time to grab coffee or food, or travel to see them if they're further away, and what dates work for you. Once you find a time that works for both of your schedules, write the plans down and maintain them. Keeping your word is essential in rekindling friendships.
Catch up
Once you finally meet, conversation should flow easily - you haven't seen this person for a little while, which means you have lots of updates to offer. Make sure you're asking plenty of questions about his or her family, job, hobbies, goals, etc., rather than just talking about your life. Other than catching up on missed events, simply relax and have fun the way you normally would with your friend.
Keep the ball rolling
With your first meetup of spring out of the way, don't let your momentum slow down. Immediately suggest an activity for the future, whether it's visiting gardens, seeing a show or eating out. Establishing a rhythm can prevent you from slipping back into the current of life. If you don't have time to see each other in person on a regular basis, or you just live too far apart, plan on video chatting or talking on the phone once a week. Think of it like you would a long-distance dating relationship - you need to have your next meeting scheduled so you can look forward to it.