This is the Year I Stop Saying, “Let’s Get Together Soon”

Before you assume, based on my headline, that I am about to become a complete introvert, let me quickly clarify my intentions. In 2014, instead of intending to see people, my goal is to actually schedule time with them. Put them on my calendar and treat them like any other important appointment. I vow not to cancel because I’m tired or grumpy or broke. No. Instead, I will be making a true and valiant effort to spend more of my moments with the people I love, respect, value, or otherwise cherish. It will be – for all intents and purposes – my new year’s resolution.

Why this strong shift in purpose? Well, it occurred to me this week after the sudden and shocking loss of a friend that we all say, “Let’s get together soon” entirely too much. While the words themselves make us feel like we are nurturing a relationship, the fact of the matter is that we are delaying an obligation to foster and feed our relationships. Yes, I said obligation and I chose that word intentionally. You see, it seems to me that if we choose the word “friend” to describe someone, we also have a duty to remain connected. Friendship does not happen without that connection. It can’t. But I also know that my life is busy…busy with work, busy with errands, busy with all the tedious things that keep me occupied but don’t really add any true value to my life. All the while, the people who add zest to my life, who encourage my talents, who love me despite my shortcomings, who rely on me for support…they are what waits for all the other “stuff” to be resolved. In truth, all those other things will always be there. Those important people will not.

So that’s that. If you are a friend of mine, chances are good that you’ll be getting a call or a text very soon asking you to schedule time with me. (And by the way, I do NOT think texting is ever a good substitute for real conversation.) And I will be persistent. My hope is that others will join me in making 2014 the year we stop saying, “Let’s get together soon,” and instead spend more moments saying, “It was really nice to see you.”