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The Friendship Habit That Can Help You Keep Close Friends for Life

Experts say consistency, curiosity and honest communication can help close friendships survive busy schedules and major life changes.

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Losing friends is never easy, but it’s an inevitable part of life. Over time, we outgrow certain relationships or perhaps even experience friendship “breakups” with dramatic endings. Whatever the case, there’s no shame in drifting apart from someone you once considered a close pal.

However, there are ways to ensure you maintain the connections that matter most to you. Like all relationships, friendships require work and nurturing—or, as experts call it, friendkeeping.

What Is Friendkeeping?

Friendkeeping is exactly as it sounds: keeping your friends over time.

“Friendkeeping refers to the efforts people put into maintaining an emotional connection with their friendships,” says Dr. Max Doshay, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer of KMN Psych. “Friendkeeping has nothing to do with how often you see or speak with each other; it’s about taking interest in each other and showing thoughtfulness regularly.”

Many people believe you must be in constant contact with your friend to maintain your connection. However, true friends make time for each other while also acknowledging they have separate, busy lives. At the end........

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