Friendships Are Like Houseplants
They Need Constant Watering To Survive

When I was first married I was fortunate to be with a person very good at keeping in touch with others by telephone and mail. We had a satisfying set of friends. When I became single again I wasn't very disciplined about keeping in touch and I soon found my circle of friends and acquaintances was shrinking rapidly. I also knew it had nothing to do with a change in how people felt about me. It's just that people are busy with the tasks of everyday life and it is easy to let a friendship lapse.

For relationship to mature I find people must DO things together; just being together is not enough. Taking trips, playing games, and participating in organizations are example of things that can enrich a friendship. Relationships don't just stay the same over time all by themselves. They have to be tended like plants.