Friend reunions
During the different stages of your life you are going to make different friends. You will have a group in high school, and likely have a very different group of friends in college. You may have a group of friends from your church, or from your sports team, and a different group in your neighborhood. The fact is, friends, while often forever, come and go. So, one great thing you can do is have a friend reunion. Sometimes a group of friends is close knit, but the world, responsibilities, etc. take them different places. Before they know it they are all in different states, with different jobs, and in different stages of life. Some are married, some have kids, some are still living the single life. So, how do you get all of these people that are currently in different walks of life to get together and still connect? Try the following:
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First it takes planning. The fact is that if you want to have a friend reunion you have to plan ahead. It means buying plane tickets, getting sitters, taking time out of busy schedules and off of demanding work. Sometimes you have to plan a year or more in advance to get everyone you want there to be able to be there, and even then some people are going to miss out because of health, work, family, etc. So, connect with your friends, usually the internet is an ideal way to do this, and set a date and a place for your friend reunion.
Second, it takes more planning. As the date gets closer it is time to send reminders and get people excited about the friend reunion. Help them get excited by reminding them of stories and fun times you shared, and with the enticement of more of the same. This means plan some activities your group of friends can all go and do together, whether it is dancing, drinking, dinner, or whatever.
Third, recognize that people and their priorities have changed, and look at a friend reunion as a chance for each of you to get to know the new you. You will still be much the same. If you were stubborn before, you are probably still stubborn, but maybe you have learned to relax more, or maybe you have children, etc. So, do not hang on to the idea that you will be exactly like you used to be, and then get disappointed when it is not. Instead, accept and embrace that you have all changed, but still care enough to stay connected. Love that and make the most of it.
Last but not least, when the time for the reunion comes, have fun with it. Take the time to share memories and reminisce, but be sure to create new memories as well. Get out and do things together, compare lives, share excitement, and get to know one another again. You will find that the things that drew you together in the past will still be there, added on to layers of other dimensions, and new priorities, and that it is a fun adventure to just try and click together again like you did in the past.
Friend reunions are a lot of fun and can help you remember your roots, and your priorities. They are also a great way to relax.
