One of my best friends from uni recently moved back here from the States. I’m so happy to have her back but with both of us moving house and life generally being super busy, we’ve caught up in person for a grand total of…twice. Which is terrible I know. But I’m sure you can relate.
I absolutely should see my friends more often, and we always do have the best intentions to meet up. But even when ridiculously busy schedules are coordinated about six months in advance, more often than not, life just somehow gets in the way.
After much rescheduling, we finally managed dinner and drinks a couple of weeks ago. And it’s always like old times. Those kinds of friends, who you don’t need to be in touch with on the daily (or even weekly or monthly!), are the ones you’ll have for life. Because you both get it, there are no hard feelings, and your friendship will always be there. No matter what.
It is so important to make time for your friends. Not always easy, I know. I’m the first to admit that I’m rubbish at it and have promised myself to be better from this point forward.
Here are a few ideas for things to do when you and your bestie finally manage to get that date in the diary – and stick to it!
Feeling fancy?
Dinner and drinks with your best girl can be so much more grown-up than your usual family-friendly hangouts. No crayons to pick up off the floor, no wordsearches to oversee, no guilt about handing over a screen because you just want to eat your dessert in peace.
So book a table at your most favourite place, enjoy the delicious food and drink, and have a good old-fashioned chinwag where you set the world to rights.
Or, you could get dressed up, head to a fancy bar and enjoy a pretty cocktail or two. Some bars even offer cocktail-making classes. We went to one for a friend’s hen do and it was a lot of fun. Might be a good idea if you’re up for something a little different! Wine tasting could be a good shout too…
Feeling chilled?
As I’m writing this, we’re well into week six of the summer holidays. I am most definitely not feeling chilled. But I would like to be!
This summer has been hectic. We moved house, which was promptly followed by three weeks of extremely poxy chicken pox. Throw in a few looming work deadlines, and I’m feeling absolutely shattered. I’m in desperate need of some proper pamper and relaxation time.
If you’re feeling the same, then consider booking a spa day to relax and unwind. Needless to say, planning for a girlie spa day is well underway here!
There is usually a cheeky two-for-one deal to be had, and around this time of year you may find some offers aimed specifically at frazzled mums in need of a little TLC. You may even get a complimentary treatment thrown in.
If you’ve got a bit more time, you could go further afield for a longer break. Maybe jump in the car and enjoy a spa weekend in Cheshire, for example, and really treat yourselves.
A spa break is just perfect for a girlie catch up, and a complete change of scenery will help both of you switch off from the daily grind. Great for your mind, body and soul.
Feeling active?
There are loads of benefits to having a workout buddy. You’re more likely to go and, well, it’s just more fun with two of you.
Why not try a new workout class together, something neither of you have done before? It can be a bit nerve-wracking heading into a new class solo – this way, you can give each other some moral support, and probably have a bit of a laugh at the same time.
If the weather’s good, grab your bikes and go for a cycle with a pub lunch at the end of it. Exercise, vitamin D and some tasty food as a reward is always a winner.
Feeling nostalgic?
Remember back to your teenage years when hanging out with your friends was everything? Now think about something fun you used to do together and try to recreate it.
Go shopping, rollerblade around the park, or binge-watch your fave classic TV series. What would you watch? Mine would have to be Friends. We spent many a hungover day on the sofa watching back-to-back episodes. I’m still curious as to whether there’s an episode I haven’t seen yet!
Share your thoughts
Please let me know in the comments if you have any other ideas to add to this list!
Whatever you end up doing, enjoy and have fun, you both deserve it.
Natalie xx
Disclaimer: This is a collaborative post. All words and opinions are my own.
