Keeping in Touch

A long-awaited Sequel to my very first blog post, “Letting go without letting go“. Which was about people remaining in communication without being in constant daily contact as is the case with erstwhile neighbours, coursemates, roommates or colleagues. Click here to read it.

A few friends and acquaintances have reached out to me to enquire how I do it, staying in touch 5, 10, 15, and 20 years after first contact and these questions I hope to answer with this.

The foundational building block(s) of a habit of keeping in touch is the very intention to know that all is well with people we care about. Ensuring we don’t slip into being strangers to people with whom we’ve formed strong bonds or camaraderie; barring the inhibitors to keeping in touch such as people going off the grid for security or privacy reasons, changing numbers for various reasons; intentional or unintentional, or social media shyness or complete absence.

I have to add, for the most part we can only keep in touch with people who want us to keep in touch. I mean if the other party considers you a nuisance it’s pointless trying to keep in touch. The unreciprocated effort might hurt you.

It’s a two-pronged faith; one being faith in them that the estate they were when you met them last would be the least they will ever be. Anticipating they will be and be worth more in influence and everything else that counts in the nearest future; wanting to be part of this process of their climb.

The second is a faith in one’s self, that just like the other party, greatness lies ahead irrespective of how mighty or lowly the estate where both parties met is or was; greatness loves company, especially it’s kind of company. 

There is a need to occasionally light and or rekindle the flames of each other’s torches with inspiration, motivation, encouragement and redirection in some cases. Hence the need to reach out to like minds occasionally to ensure the fevour, steam and momentum aren’t waning on either end.

Hope this helps your friendships; Past, Present and Future.

#MisterJacque #Friendshipfriday #friends #family #distance #parting #graduation #convocation #newjob #relocation #emigration #greenerpastures #deportation