The Joy of Doing Nothing Together!

Life seems to be a never-ending balancing act, doesn’t it? From work commitments to family obligations, it often feels like we’re juggling multiple balls while standing on one leg. And if you’re like me and don’t have kids, you might wonder how parents manage to keep all those balls in the air!

Amidst the chaos of daily life, I often seek solace in unplugging and taking it easy to recharge and regain a sense of sanity. Yet, amidst this pursuit, I realize the tendency to neglect plans with friends, allowing them to fade away without follow-up. Reflecting on the value of “hanging out” with friends, highlighted in a New York Times article, I’ve made it a personal mission to reconnect with long-lost chums. Whether it’s sharing coffee or running errands together, these seemingly simple activities have the power to deepen connections and bring us closer. So, how do we start embracing this notion of hanging out without a formal agenda?

Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Choose your venue: Whether it’s a relaxed conversation at home or simply being present in a communal space, pick a place that aligns with
  your comfort level.
• Keep it short: To alleviate any pressure and make the experience more manageable, start small by setting a time limit with your friend.
• Make it a routine: Establish a consistent schedule to remove the pressure of planning elaborate outings and deepen your bond with friends over time.

So, the next time you crave connection, reach out to a friend for some unstructured hang time. Remember, they want to be around you because spending time with you brings them genuine joy!