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Make a list of your friends.
Comb through your address book, cell phone directory, and e-mail inbox to pull together a list of friends and acquaintances. Look over the list once a week or so to see if there is anyone you want to call or have lunch with.
Some ADDers use such a list as a "friend journal," noting each time they see or talk to a particular person. Knowing when you were last in touch helps you avoid going too long before your next contact. If you want, you can even set up a structured "tickler" system on your computer using planning software that alerts you when it's time to contact people at set intervals.
Schedule efforts to stay in touch.
Some ADD adults spend an hour each Friday or Sunday evening calling or e-mailing friends; others set aside 10 minutes a day. Either way, it helps to reserve specific "catch up" time in your schedule. If you're afraid you'll lose track of time, use a timer, such as the one on your cell phone, or a Watchminder watch.
Try making time for close friends at least once a week, even if it's only a quick phone call or e-mail. If they live nearby, get together once a month, or once a year if they live far away. For acquaintances and others with whom you're not so close (parents of your children's classmates, for example), once-a-month contact is about right, with an outing scheduled at least once every three months.
Not every contact has to lead to a meeting or involve a blow-by-blow of your life. You can engage in a little small talk, or just let others know you're thinking of them.
Next: Friendship Do-Overs: Assessing What Went Wrong...
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