Friendship guilt and how to overcome it

Friendship guilt and how to overcome itFriendship guilt and how to overcome itEver had friendshipguilt?When distance, work and a generally busy lifestyle gets in the way of keeping in touch with people you care about, its easy to feel friendshipguilt.Perhaps you havent been in contact for a long time and feel guilty for not being there. According toresearch, showing empathy and keeping in touch with friends makes us happier and its often the happiest people that are the most sociable.However, in a new era of technology, our lives can consist of social media and texting which is ironically making usfeel lonely and mora isolatedthan ever before. Its crucial to remember that we can show someone we care in more special ways that just sending a quick text.We worked with the wellbeing experts at CABA who identified 5 ways that will help youstay in contact and show your friends and family how much you really care.1. Call themTake advantage of the quick 5 minutes you have waiting in line at the supermarket checkout or whilst on the commute back from work. Spot the opportunities when they arise rather than scrolling through social media and take this opportunity to give them a quick call to let them know youre thinking of them. Facebook now allows you to monitor how much time youre spending on the app, so if youre one of those that has racked up many hours, try using this time to call a friend instead.2. Send them a care packageWhy not go back to basics and send something in the post. Astudyby Royal Mail found that people placed more value on things they can touch. Send your friends a small care package, it doesnt have to cost a lot, you could just send them their favorite sweets or chocolate.3. Send them a pictureSend them a picture to remind them of a memory or a time you spent together. To make it extra special, why not put it in a frame? Sending it via the post with a little katechese is far nicer than just tagging someone in a photo on Facebook. Reminding them of t he good times you shared together will put a smile on their face and shows them youre thinking of them.4. Send a funny videoOk, so you do need your phone or laptop for this one, but why not send a funny video at a time when they need you most? Whether its a video of babies, clumsy moments or dogs just being dogs, it will help brighten their day.5. Be presentRegardless of how busy you are, you should always try to find a way to be there when it really counts or when they least expect it. For example, do they have a professional or personal achievement thats being celebrated and could you go along? If your friend is going through a rough patch, offer to go to the cinema or have a movie night at home with them.Its the thought that counts so it doesnt have to take a lot of time or money and remember, you get out what you put in. You should try to show your appreciation in a way thats unique to you and your friend.Reminding your friends that youre thinking about themhelps to maintain tha t special bond and keeps you connected.This article first appeared on Your Coffee Break.