You may recognize these 2 besties of mine, and YES, I met them both as an adult
This article is dedicated to some of my best girlfriends – Rachel, Lisa (in the photo with me), and Sandy, as well as Susie, Rob & Shelley, who are more than just family to me.
Friendships are one of life’s greatest treasures, but they’re also easy to let slip through the cracks when life gets busy. I’ve learned that you don’t need constant contact to keep a friendship alive; you just need small, intentional touches. Once a week, I make it a point to do something that celebrates the people who make my world brighter.
Here are my favorite weekly rituals for keeping friendships strong, even when we can’t always be together.
What’s going on? I saw your post & had to text IMMEDIATELY.
1. The Check-In Text
Once a week, I send one friend a quick message. Something simple like “Saw this and thought of you” or “How’s your week going?” It takes thirty seconds, but it can make someone’s whole day.
My tip: I scroll through old photos and send a funny memory along with the text. It’s like saying, “Remember when…?” without needing a whole conversation or if I see a pair of earrings or a dress online that is on sale that I know they’d love…I’ll send a link with a note letting them know it reminds me of them.
Did I hear that you’re coming to visit (that’s a plea, not a question)?
2. A Scheduled Call
Friendship thrives on real conversation. I suck at this. I don’t know why, but calling on the phone is just not my thing. I’m thankful that my friends are just the opposite. BUT, most of the time after sending that check-in text, I’ll call (because my fingers can’t text as fast as the thoughts come out). Take a little time for a call with someone who matters, whether it be five minutes or longer. I find that once we get started it’s usually an hour because there’s the “and then” or “did you see?” The length doesn’t matter; the connection does.
My tip: I love calling while I’m in the car. Sandy will tell you that she always knew I was driving when the phone rang. It’s time that I’m completely alone. Those moments feel like we’re side by side, even if we’re miles apart.
Pink roses symbolize friendship
3. A Little Surprise
Once a week, try to do something unexpected for a friend, a handwritten note, dropping off a small treat, or even just tagging them in something funny online. Surprises keep friendships fun.
My tip: I love writing, so I’m going to start to keep a few blank notecards and stamps in my purse. That way, if I’m sitting at a café, I can jot off a note in the moment.
What I’m doing: There’s something very special about getting flowers, and when I saw these Lasting Brilliance flowers that transform real roses into preserved Forever Roses that stay flawless for up to three years, I knew they were the perfect “NO REASON” surprise for a good friend. The luxury blooms outlast every fleeting bouquet: no water, no trimming, no disappointment, just timeless elegance in a keepsake-worthy arrangement, so every time she looks at them, she’ll remember she has a bestie she can call on no matter what.
If I schedule it, it happens! If I don’t….well…
4. Plan Ahead for Together Time
Even if you can’t see each other every week (most of my friends live miles and miles away), planning something together once in a while keeps the friendship alive in between. I love to check in on future plans, whether it’s flying up to see them (or inviting them down to Florida), a trip, or even just penciling in coffee if they live nearby.
My tip: I know someone who sends “save the date” texts for casual plans. It makes even a simple coffee feel like an event. I’m thinking I’d like to do that as well.
Hey, Susie, this is the book I was telling you about that I’m reading right now, it’s so well written!!!
5. Share Something That Matters
Once a week, I share something with a friend that feels personal. An article I loved, a book I’m reading, a new store online, or even just what’s on my heart. Friendship deepens when you share beyond the surface level.
My tip: I voice-record messages instead of typing them sometimes. Hearing each other’s voices feels more intimate than words on a screen.
Wrapping It Up
Friendship doesn’t require grand gestures; it thrives on small, steady ones. A check-in, a call, a surprise, a future plan, or a little share once a week is enough to keep bonds strong and hearts connected.
Because the truth is, friends are chosen family, and nurturing them weekly is one of the best rituals you can create.
