You adore your friends, but keeping up with them isn’t always as easy as you’d like it to be. As the New Year approaches and you begin jotting down your personal resolutions, shift your focus back to friendship and how you can strengthen the ones in your life. Be sure to add these four resolutions to your list.
Resolution #1: I Will Schedule Regular Ladies’ Nights
Before you can find the time to get together with your girls, you have to make it. In 2012, put a regular ladies’ night on your calendars so you and the girls can have something set in stone to look forward to each month, or week, if you can swing it. Start a book club, take a dance class together, or just meet up for happy hour — whatever you do, do it together. You won’t feel as badly about not returning an email from your friend if you know you’ll see her later that week. Go ahead, get to planning!
Resolution #2: I Will Be a Better Listener
When you’re juggling a million things at once, you can wind up unknowingly half-listening to your girlfriend pour her heart out on the phone. Hey, sometimes you’ve got a lot on your mind too — we get it. The thing is, although it happens, it’s not something to be proud of, and the truth is, you’ll want her to be 100 percent there for you when it’s your turn to need a friend. This year, focus on tuning in to your girlfriend’s true needs and don’t be afraid to tell her you need to call her back later when you can give her your undivided attention. Listen with your heart and that good ol’ sisterly advice will come naturally.
Resolution #3: I Will Speak Up When I Need Help
Contrary to what you may be thinking, you can’t do it all, well, not all the time. Let your girlfriends help you when you need them. Clichés aside, that really is what friends are for. When you need to talk, call them. If your plate feels too full, follow resolution #1, meet them for dinner, and vent. It’s good for the soul, we promise.
Resolution #4: I Will Support Their Dreams Just As I Do My Own
Teamwork makes the dream work. As you and your girls strive to get ahead in your respective fields and chase down your dreams, remember that there’s strength in numbers. Support their goals and endeavors with the same passion and enthusiasm you put toward your own. Your combined successes will be that much sweeter when you recognize that you traveled that windy, bumpy road together.