Last week I had the rare opportunity to go out on a week night -- to an adult event in the city, no less. My friend Marion Winik was reading from her new (fabulous) book and I couldn't bear to miss it.
But I went alone. Not for lack of trying. I called up my sister-in-law, writing friends and my single buddies who live in the city. Nobody was free. And I couldn't blame them -- I've turned down more of their invitations than I can count, being so busy with work and the kids.
I think the problem is that I've gotten out of practice being a friend. Don't get me wrong, I'm a good friend by phone, by email and by Facebook. But my in-person gabfests are pretty limited these days.
So I'm belatedly adding another resolution to my list for 2009 -- cultivating friendships. It's so easy as an overscheduled mom to let them slip away, and then they're simply gone. I am trying to see friends for a workday lunch and also scheduling regular phone calls so that months won't go by without any contact.
Readers, how do you make time for friends? Or, how do you make the most of the moments you can snatch in between other commitments?
This post is part of the All About Parenting Blog Carnival for February, which is hosted by Ann Logsdon, the Guide to Learning Disabilities.
Photo credit: Flying Colours Ltd./Getty Images
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This is my reolution also! As my kids are getting older, I have more time available and want to become better friends with those I have, but also to make new friends as well.