Life gets busy, and it’s so easy to let days (even weeks) slip by without truly connecting to the people we love. I’ve found that creating simple social rituals—little once-a-week traditions—keeps relationships alive and brings joy back into the rhythm of daily life. These aren’t grand gestures; they’re small, intentional ways of showing up for others and yourself.
Here are the rituals I’ve made part of my week that keep me feeling close to the people who matter most.
1. The Weekly Call
Pick one person each week to call just to check in. It doesn’t have to be long, but hearing someone’s voice (instead of just texting) makes a world of difference. Whether it’s family, an old friend, or even someone you haven’t spoken to in a while, that simple act of saying I thought of you creates that connection.
My tip: I call while I’m in the car. My sorta-sister Sandy has come to know when I’m out running errands that are far from the house, and she can tell I’m on the speaker via the console. For me, it makes the conversation more relaxed, like we’re riding together, and I don’t have anyone in the house asking me questions to disturb me.
2. A Standing Meal Tradition
I love to make time to share a meal with someone. Whether it’s family at home, a dinner out with a friend, or brunch with a neighbor. The meal itself doesn’t matter as much as the ritual of sitting together and catching up. Food has a way of bringing people closer.
My tip: I ALWAYS set the table with cloth napkins, even for a casual dinner at home. It elevates the moment and makes the meal feel like an occasion. I keep a basket of them near the cabinet where I keep my dishes.
What I Use: It’s my little secret, but I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the linens (and so, I have a lot of their napkins) from All Cotton and Linen. They have the best quality, a great selection, and you can’t beat their prices for good quality linens.
3. The Small Note or Message
Once a week, I send a handwritten note, a thoughtful text, or even a funny photo to someone I care about. It doesn’t have to be deep or formal, just a simple way to remind someone they’re on my mind. I do this both with my friends and family, as well as with business contacts that are on my mind.
My tip: I keep a stack of pretty notecards or cards that I pick up while traveling in my kitchen drawer so it’s easy to jot a quick hello without overthinking it.
4. The Neighborly Gesture
Sometimes we often overlook the people closest to us, literally. When I see a neighbor our on the porch or in the driveway try to do something neighborly: wave and chat for a few minutes, drop off extra baked goods bottles of wine (if I’m being honest, I don’t bake as much as I used to, but I always have extra wine that is sent to me by brands), or bring in a package or their garbage barrel up to the garage door. Small touches build community in ways that last.
My tip: As I said, I bring wine because I have a LOT of it (and I’m not drinking much these days), but I also go to the dollar store and buy little gifts to keep for the children in the neighborhood who are playing in the street. It could be anything from lollipops to colored pens or festive beads to wear.
5. A Weekly Shared Activity
Connection doesn’t always have to be conversation-heavy. You can do something with a loved one that’s simply about being together, like watching a show, going for a walk, playing cards, or even just sitting side by side with books. It’s the togetherness that matters. I’m married to a man who doesn’t like deep conversation, and forcing it on him isn’t fair unless it’s something that I feel is important, but watching a silly show that we both like and can comment on is downright FUN.
My tip: I make a ritual of popcorn, and because it’s winter, either hot chocolate or tea for these moments. It turns even a TV night into a memory.
Wrapping It Up
Social rituals don’t have to be grand to be meaningful. A call, a shared meal, a note, or a small gesture once a week keeps the fabric of our relationships strong. It’s not about doing everything; it’s about doing something—consistently, intentionally, and with a little love.
Because at the end of the day, connection is what makes life feel full.
