It may take about 200 hours of spending time together before you consider someone a close friend. While it may be evident that spending time fosters closeness, it can be challenging to find time to socialize, especially between long-distance friends. One way to maintain friendships is staying in touch, even if virtually. Checking in with friends on their birthdays or special occasions is a thoughtful way to show them you’re thinking of them. You can also help by remembering the small details they mentioned, such as a vacation they had planned or a scheduled job interview.
Practicing gratitude is a form of mindfulness, and it can improve your mood, self-esteem, and empathy. This extends to deepening friendships as well. It feels good to be appreciated and show appreciation for others. When a friend displays kindness and thoughtfulness, try to express your gratitude for their efforts. This reassures them that you notice their contributions to the friendship. It can also boost their feelings toward the bond. You may not even need to wait for them to do something in particular. Consider random acts of gratitude that let them know how much you care and value their presence in your life.
