Relationships 

Are you so busy that your social life consists of sending emails to people you never have time to see in person? Is your life so hectic that you don't have time for the friends you already have, let alone find time to make new friends with new people? Does the thought of just spending time and relaxing with friends make you feel guilty that you're wasting you day and you should be doing something else?

Keeping our friendships and relationships alive requires effort and commitment. Many of us let our lives become so busy with work and other activities that we don't get around to scheduling any time for pleasure and renewal with the friends, relatives and acquaintances we already have.

Yet spending time with loved ones who care about us can be one of the best uses of time that there is.

Are there any people you could call right now and be assured of a pleasant welcome? Are these people that you could count on to help you in a crisis? Can you have close talks with them? Do you have fun when you are together? Are you happy to have them in your life?

If you haven't seen much of them lately, is it because you have become too busy? Have you grown apart? Was there an argument?

If the main reason you haven't been getting together with the people you already know is because you have gotten too busy, take a good look at how you are spending your time.

Compare the way you spend your time with your real values and priorities in life. Is your hectic lifestyle really bringing you the quality of life that you want?

If you have become too busy to see your friends, why has this happened? Are you pursuing material toys in your life at the expense of relationships with other human beings?

Have you allowed your time to be over-committed because you never say "No" to anyone? Do you insist on doing things yourself that could be delegated to others? If so, why? Do you believe that everything depends on you? Have you let your job become your entire life?

Examine whether the way you are currently spending your time accurately reflects your deepest values and priorities. Make sure that you schedule adequate time for the things that are truly most important to you.

If you make the effort to call your friends more regularly, and to accept more of the invitations you receive from others, you can improve your social life in a hurry! But you have to be willing to make the effort.

If you really want to keep friends in your life, make a space in your schedule, and a space in your heart for them.

About the Author : Royane Real is the author of the short report "Your Guide to Making Friendly Conversation" If you would like to improve your conversational ability and make more friends, download it today at or get the paperback version at: http://www.lulu.com/real