How to Maintain Old College Relationships

When was the last time you spoke to a friend from college? It takes a little bit of effort but can keep you young at heart. Friends from your past are sometimes the key to your future.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Email
• Internet
• Telephone
• Computer Access
• Stationary (optional)

1. Find your friend. Google the name. They may have married and changed their name or states. Look for local announcements for marriages, graduations, births, or deaths. They might not make headlines but they will be listed as members of the wedding party, the graduate, parents of a new baby, or surviving members of the recently deceased.

2. Take the first step in reestablishing friendship. A simple call or email to start will be more inviting than a long letter about the past. Emphasizing your life now and interest in their life now will be time well spent.

3. Make an effort to get together, call, or email each other on a regular basis.
   For example: A monthly email about life and some of the "good ole times". Send pictures of family and things that made you friends.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep up promises to stay in touch, especially if you reached out first.
• Ask for current addresses to send Holiday cards and Birthday cards. Even if you usually email.
• Don't stress over mishaps of the past.
• Keep it light hearted.
• No one likes an Eyeore. Don't talk about money.

[vallain]

on 10/21/2009 I need to do this, but it's hard to track down college friends with women changing their names.

[eac913]

on 10/8/2009 Great article on how to maintain old college relationships. My college friends are some of the best I have. 5*

[majesticdevotio]

on 10/8/2009 It's nice to get in touch with the past.

[MyJB]

on 10/6/2009 Nice article. We usually have something in common with old college chums, so they make good friends. 5

[bridghid]

on 10/5/2009 Great article...true friends are hard to come by and even harder to keep..wonderful tips...thanks!