I’ve read that if a friendship lasts more than seven years, then it will last a lifetime. But do gaps in time count? Peaks and valleys in communication as life ebbs and flows? If I haven’t spoken to you in over a year, but I’ve liked your statuses and retweeted your quotes, are we still friends?

As I get older, I find it harder to maintain friendships. Life gets busy, and I before I know it, a week has gone by without me reaching out to anyone. And sure, I’ve liked a few birth announcements and throw-back-Thursday photos. But real-life conversations? Those have become few and far between. I’ve created an imaginary hurdle that gets taller as time passes.

Maybe it’s just a by-product of being in the social media generation. We’re so much more connected, yet so much less…well…connected. I can sit back and get updates about all that’s happening in my friends’ lives without actually having to interact with them. While I cherish getting a peek of these special moments, I miss having real one-on-one connections.

Sometimes I find myself wishing things would slow down, so I can catch up. It’s a shocking jolt of reality to see updates of babies walking, talking and starting school (!). But, time and life are no respecter of persons. They wait for no one.

I’m now convinced that the sound of a familiar voice can soothe the soul. And as I write this, I’m thinking about some of my dearest friends:

Trinh — My high school BFF. I’ll always remember our impromptu photo shoots in your bedroom. By the way, can we still be BFFs?

Martina — I’ve never met a more genuine and kind soul. (I love your daughter’s smile. She looks just like her mom!)

Marissa — You’re the sister I never had. (Wish we could still travel together like we did in college)

Monica — Thanks for making me feel sane, even on my craziest days.

Maybe tonight I’ll pick up my phone, and instead of scrolling through pictures, scroll though my contacts and dial a number.

Xx

Photo credit: {Nordstrom}