{via my 365 project}
I received a call on Sunday from one of our long-distance friends in Germany (originally his parents were friends of J’s family, but he and his wife then quickly also became friends of ours). We hadn’t really been in touch for a while, which is to say that I had been in touch by writing cards and emails to them for the usual occasions – Christmas, birthdays, etc. – but never hearing back from them.
He apologized profusely on the phone, saying that they were just really bad in responding, but that they’ve been thinking about us a lot and that he really wants to make an effort to call more often.
It was a nice surprise.
You know, some people shy away from getting in touch with people that they haven’t talked to in a while. Often this happens not because of not wanting to get in touch, but because life gets in the way and they forget and they promise themselves they’ll do it tomorrow and then won’t, because they feel bad because so much time has passed… yaddah, yaddah, yaddah. The same old story.
But you know what? In 99% of the cases, people will be thrilled and positively surprised if you take the initiative and rekindle the relationship, no matter how long it has been. I’ve never seen somebody reject a phone call or a hand-written card from somebody that they thought they’d lost touch with.
I’m obviously more of a writer than a phone person, hence another stack of hand-crafted cards (one of which you can see at the top of this post) that I made last weekend. So naturally, you’re more likely to be swamped by cards and emails from me, than get a phone call (although I do make regular exceptions for certain people!).
In the end, it doesn’t really matter how you get and keep in touch, as long as you do, in fact, keep in touch!
* * * * *
So tell me, who should you get in touch with today?
Emily Jane
September 15, 2010 at 8:20 amI love sending cards in the mail too, but if I received a phone call from somebody after not being in touch for a while, I’d be thrilled! Most of the people I should get in touch with though live overseas… I shall have to buy a phone card first :)
.-= Emily Jane´s last blog ..The Panic Button =-.
kim
September 15, 2010 at 8:22 amprobably my brother. but i’m still kinda putting that off. i’m glad to be one of the exceptions you talk to on the phone because as you know, i’m MUCH more of a phone person than a writer… HDGDL! <3
.-= kim´s last blog ..knockknock is this thing on =-.
kim
September 16, 2010 at 4:32 amETA: i’m going over to see my brother tonight…
.-= kim´s last blog ..knockknock is this thing on =-.
Grace
September 15, 2010 at 12:22 pmIt’s true. I send lots of little cards and letters to friends and they always appreciate it. I’ve lost contact with people for years and then when I see them again they tell me how much the appreciated the card I sent them years ago. It does not take much to make someone feel special.
.-= Grace´s last blog ..You Make Your Own Happiness =-.
Nilsa @ SoMi Speaks
September 15, 2010 at 1:49 pmI think the handwritten note is a lost art … and one of my favorite things ever is giving and receiving them with those I love. I also think it’s pretty remarkable you’ve continued to be in touch with people who do not reciprocate … that’s very big of you … whereas most people would just let things fizzle out.
.-= Nilsa @ SoMi Speaks´s last blog ..Unwanted =-.
Stefanie
September 15, 2010 at 5:21 pmA friend I grew up with. We were born about three weeks apart, went to “Kindergrippe”, elementary school, middle school and high school together. We lost touch after I got married. (I have to add that he was secretly in love with me.)
.-= Stefanie´s last blog ..One last night =-.
Tanja
September 15, 2010 at 9:31 pmWhat a nice surprise – and yeah you are absolutly right! Everybody should try to stay in touch with the people which are important in their lifes.
I’m more a phone person but I like to surprise my friends and family with random notes or letters.
emmysuh
September 16, 2010 at 7:13 amI am pretty over obsessive about calls and texts and emails…but I’ve learned to accept that some of my friends…are not so gung ho, and not be disappointed if they don’t always pick up the phone or answer an email!
Kam
September 16, 2010 at 2:32 pmI would love to see more of your handmade cards. I bet they’re beautiful.
By the way, I awarded you the Sunshine Award on my blog :) https://campfirechicblog.blogspot.com/2010/09/sunshine-award.html
.-= Kam´s last blog ..Sunshine Award =-.
steph anne
September 17, 2010 at 2:17 pmI’m sooo looking forward to sending you something in the mail! :)
.-= steph anne´s last blog ..90 Day Challenge with Goals =-.
Terra
September 19, 2010 at 8:56 amI really, really want to start sending more cards through the mail. I always end up getting postcards at places I visit and then forget to send. I’ve GOT to get better at snail mailing!