Have you ever felt like you were being left out of group outings or that a friend had moved on from you? It can be a lonely, confusing, and hurtful place to be. I’d like to share some suggestions that I have considered when I’ve felt that way.
Tell me I’m not the only one. You see a photo on Facebook of your friends. At a restaurant. Having fun. Without you.
Immediately, you wonder – why wasn’t I invited?
Have you ever felt like you were being left out of group outings or that a friend had moved on from you?
It can be a lonely, confusing, and hurtful place to be. I’d like to share some suggestions that I have considered when I’ve felt that way.
Evaluate yourself. Are you being available? Do you accept invitations when you DO receive them? Or, is there always a (legitimate) reason you can’t participate?
Participate in already established activities. Are you members of the same church, group, or family? Go where your friends already are. Join that lunch, meeting, or outing that’s already planned.
Reach out and invite her somewhere. Sometimes we get busy or go through busier seasons. If your friend is working two jobs, has three kids, and it’s the middle of the school year, it’s probably not you, it’s her. She’s B-U-S-Y!
Let her know. Have a candid, heartfelt conversation to let her know how you feel. Hear her side of the story. Tell her you’re thinking of her and would love to get together. I’ve made a point to do this when I’m used to getting invited places and then stop getting them.
Make new friends. I’m not talking about replacing anyone. But, sometimes our lifestyles, needs, and desires change. It’s ok to seek new friends based on your current interests, family, and circumstances. Find other friends to get to know better and hang out with.
Whatever you do, don’t go it alone. We all need connections outside of work and our immediate families for fellowship, camaraderie, and sisterhood.
So, get out there and have fun!
How do YOU keep your friendships alive?
Thoughtful post. Synchronizing schedules and lifestyles is not easy. I am gracious of the time that I can spend with a special friend; I don’t put pressure on them, nor myself, for scheduling those times. I just cherish it when it happens.
Hi Again,
Still Janice here to thank you for coming to the Inspire Me Monday Linky Party.
I love that you are providing this support to reject people. I am sensitive, so I worry this is easier said than done. Definitely inspirational,though. Thanks for linkingup.
By the way, your other post–how to say no–I’ve written about those topics myself, a no thank you list, etc.