[–] isegfault 1 point 5 points 6 points (+6|-1) ago
It's a lot of time investment, and it's completely worth it. If I get invited and can't make it, I let them know; I don't ignore anything. I do my best to make all the important things like birthdays, anniversaries, etc. And if someone needs help, I try my best to be there for him/her. I chat a lot online too with everyone and make sure to message friends I haven't seen in a while.
[–] King-Calf 0 points 3 points 3 points (+3|-0) ago
It was a lot of work and time invested for me. I felt like I had to keep track of everyone and make it a point to hang out with them every few days. I would cycle through my friends list to ensure I made time for everyone during the month.
I got tired of doing this and just maintained my relationships with my close friends and let everyone else go. I still say hi to them when I see them online but never to the point where I'm juggling different groups of friends.
[–] GinTrain 0 points 3 points 3 points (+3|-0) ago
I used to call it "doing the rounds". Every, say Thursday I would make a mental map of the 8 or 10 people that I considered friends, then I would spend 20 min with each before heading in to the next stop. It was just enough time to catch up and not wear out my welcome.
[–] Nerdyschmerdyguy 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
Maintaining good friendships shouldn't require crazy effort. Of course, you need to invest time in your friends but you also have to give folks the benefit of the doubt that when they can't make it, they can't for a good reason. All the friends I have give each other the benefit of the doubt and during our man periods, we reach out and get more information before passing judgement. It's amazing what being an adult about things can do.
[–] bill.lee 0 points 1 point 1 point (+1|-0) ago
Prior to having kids, it was super easy. Mostly, it was owed to the fact that my wife and I were able to go out a lot and everybody typically went to the same 5 or 6 places. Maintaining the relationships is mostly just about having the time and making the time to go out and interact.
[–] SemenBiscuit 1 point 1 point 2 points (+2|-1) ago
I'm really good about introducing friends to each other. I don't introduce everyone to everyone, I'm strategic about it.
I'm actually a little too good at it. I introduced my ex girlfriend to her current husband. I introduced my two good friends to each other and they became best friends; nowadays I'm the outsider. I also keep touch with people even if I haven't physically seen them for months. The best way m, I think, is bull shit Facebook conversations that we just go back and forth on.
[–] stelleta 0 points 9 points 9 points (+9|-0) ago
i invite certain groups to certain things i do. i tried to invite all my friends to my bday party once a couple years ago and about 60 people showed up and they all segregated into small groups, was very awkward.