Okay, so, “i want us to be in each other’s lives forever.” Right? Sounds kinda intense, I know. But hear me out, it’s not as crazy as it sounds. It’s more about the little things, the conscious effort to, like, stay connected, ya know?
It all started a few months back. I was feeling kinda… disconnected. From everyone. Work was a grind, scrolling through social media felt empty, and even hanging out with friends felt…surface level. So, I decided to do something about it. I wanted to actually be present in the lives of the people I cared about.
Phase 1: The Initial Push – Reaching Out
- First, I made a list. A list of, like, 10-15 people who I genuinely enjoyed spending time with. People whose company I valued. Friends, family, former colleagues… you get the idea.
- Then, I started reaching out. Not just a “hey, how’s it going?” text. I actually called people. Remember phone calls? Wild, right?
- I’d ask them about their lives. What they were working on, what they were excited about, what was stressing them out. And I listened. Like, really listened. No scrolling through my phone, no thinking about what I was going to say next. Just pure, unadulterated listening.
Phase 2: The Consistency Game – Small Gestures, Big Impact
Calling everyone all the time is, like, not sustainable. So, I started thinking about smaller, more consistent ways to stay connected.
- Birthday Reminders: I set up birthday reminders for everyone on my list. A simple text, a funny meme, or even a handwritten card (old school!) on their birthday made a huge difference.
- Shared Interests: I tried to find shared interests with each person and use those as a way to connect. Like, if a friend was really into a certain band, I’d send them a song recommendation or an article about the band. It showed I was paying attention to what they cared about.
- Random Check-Ins: Just a quick text saying, “Hey, thinking of you! Hope you’re having a good day.” It takes, like, 10 seconds, but it lets people know you’re on their mind.
Phase 3: The “Being There” Part – Showing Up
This is the hard part. It requires actual effort and sometimes, stepping outside your comfort zone.
- Saying Yes (More Often): When friends invited me to things, I tried to say yes more often, even if I wasn’t feeling it. You never know what kind of fun you might have, and it shows people that you’re willing to make an effort to be there for them.
- Offering Help: If I knew someone was struggling with something, I’d offer to help. Whether it was helping them move, proofreading a resume, or just lending an ear, being a supportive friend goes a long way.
- Being Present: When I was with people, I made a conscious effort to be present. Put away my phone, make eye contact, and engage in the conversation. It’s amazing how much of a difference it makes when you’re truly present in the moment.
The Results? Pretty Awesome, Actually
Honestly, it’s been a game-changer. I feel way more connected to the people in my life. I’ve had deeper conversations, shared more laughs, and created stronger bonds. It’s not about grand gestures or dramatic pronouncements. It’s about the small, consistent efforts to show people that you care and that you want to be a part of their lives.
So, “i want us to be in each other’s lives forever”? Maybe it’s a bit much. But the sentiment behind it – the desire to stay connected, to be present, to support the people you care about – that’s something worth striving for. Give it a try. You might be surprised at how much it changes your relationships… and your life.
