Try it now: Say it out loud to one person
Across a series of studies with nearly six thousand people, the person receiving a short check-in valued it a lot more than the sender expected. The gap was biggest when the contact was unexpected. We hold back because we think it'll be awkward or unwelcome, and we're wrong. Evidence: decent
Men's friendships die from nobody sending this. Two lines keeps one alive.
Same theme: Keeping them
Keeping them
A standing slot with friends
Same people, same time, every week or two. Football, a walk, a pub, a game. Put it in the calendar as a repeat.
2 hours a weekEvidence: decent
Keeping them
Add a friend at the big changes
New job, a move, a baby, retirement. In the first three months, pick one person from the new setting and suggest something specific. Then again a fortnight later.
10 minEvidence: worth trying
Keeping them
Do something for someone
Coach, fix, drive, volunteer, mentor. A regular slot, not a one-off.
1–2 hours a weekEvidence: decent