Friends, Old & New

It is very important for women to keep their friendships as they age – support networks keep you young! Sometimes when women are dating they only have time to reach out to their friends when they are “in-between boyfriends.” Take some inspiration from activities that can help you celebrate the friends in life while you are dating over 40:

Make a standing date to get together.

Make it a priority to nurture friendships through weekly after work cocktails, chats, or monthly group potlucks. Banish all talk about men and work and instead focus on your personal goals and dreams — the “what if” questions of life.

Share a friendship charm.

Meet yearly to exchange a personal talisman, which spreads good luck and best wishes for the year ahead.

Start a recognition ritual.

Meet to honor a member of your friendship circle. If someone has achieved a personal milestone, each person can take turns standing behind that person’s chair and telling her how great she is at what’s she’s doing.

Drop a note for no reason at all.

Send silly postcards and greeting cards. Unexpected kindnesses always brighten someone’s day. And everyone appreciates knowing they are being thought of in a special way.

Engage in girly girl activities.

“Hot in Cleveland” or “Sex and the City” pajama parties; striptease, yoga, or belly dancing classes; sample sale shopping — all offer opportunities for major giggles and close connection.

Make once-in-a-lifetime memories together.

Rent a villa overseas to celebrate your 50th birthdays together. Train to do a marathon together – even though you live in different cities, the Internet provides support leading up to when you walk that last mile together.



DATE MORE CHALLENGE: Most importantly, call when you think about someone! You don’t need a special occasion to say, “I was just thinking of you...”