What are some clever ways to keep in touch with friends?

How to keep in touch with friends?

• I've always tried to keep in touch with my friends but I have lost touch with so many over the years despite the effort I make. In particular, it's the friends that I've met in the last 5 or so years that I have lost contact with. The thing is, it's the same thing that happens every time, they stop replying to my e-mails. I know that keeping in touch with everybody I have ever met isn't very practical but for example when I left my last job I initially kept in touch with about 10 people, 3 of which I was particularly close to, but I'm no longer in touch with any of them because they did not reply to my last e-mail. I always reply to my e-mails, it can take a while sometimes, so as not to run out of things to say or for them to either. If it was only a couple of them that stopped replying it wouldn't matter too much but it seems to happen with everyone which is concerning. With a couple of people I've even sent an e-mail to recently (both of whom hadn't replyed to my previous e-mail a couple of years prior) and got a reply, but then after I replied again I've heard nothing back. An idea I had today was as an ice breaker I could set up a new e-mail address and send an e-mail to everyone in my address book, but on the other hand I think why should I as it was them not replying to me that made us lose touch in the first place plus I'd probably get 1 reply and then hear nothing again. Like I said, I probably wouldn't have the time to keep in touch with everybody I've lost touch with in the past, but it's gone to the other extreme where nobody seemingly has time to keep in touch with me.

• Answer:

  Sadly in an ideal world we would all like to put in the effort to remain in contact with many more people than we actually do. You seem very good at doing that, where many of us don't make it a priority. If they have not replied - as concerning as this is to you - then respect it and move on to others that may reply. Re-emailing them will only add to your upset if they do not respond and may make them feel badgered. With work colleagues this situation occurs a lot more than you think - When you leave the job, the things you had in common aren't there any more , even if you got on great with everyone. concentrate on those who are around you now and be less relentless in your pursuit to catch up. If you are confident they all have your contact details they will contact you if they wish, and if they don't wish do not take it personally. Everyone struggles to keep up the daily grind and sadly friends can be a low priority for many. Better to have two friends that are there for you than ten friends where you do all the hard work. Good luck :)