FRIENDSHIP PROJECT of 2020

By Liz Smith

It’s a new year and decade, let’s make this one the best yet. This year I am prioritizing the friends in my life and thought I would share my project with you.

According to the dictionary, a friend is "a person whom one has a bond of mutual affection." But did you know that good friends are good for your health? They are there in good times and in bad. They help to encourage you to be your best self, help you cope when times are tough, and can even reduce stress.

I don’t know how I would have gotten through 2019 without my friends and I want to pay it forward to them.

TVF's 2020 FRIENDSHIP GOALS

4 Friendship-Centered Gestures a Month (That’s one a week, you got this!)

SEND ONE HAND WRITTEN LETTER OR POSTCARD TO A FRIEND VIA SNAIL MAIL

I had a conversation with the postman a few weeks ago and he said t he mail business is on a downward trend. Although, he did say the parcel business is picking up. This got me thinking, I love receiving mail! Not bills or political fliers, but lovely handwritten Thank You notes & Christmas Cards always put a smile on my face. Grab some pretty stationary, write a few sentences (it doesn’t have to be a book), slap a stamp on it, and send it off!

DROP OFF A HOME-COOKED DINNER OR FRESHLY BAKED DESSERTS TO A FRIEND

Cooking & delivering meals is my love language. I think this sparks just as much joy in me, than the family I am feeding. Who should you drop off a meal to? A new mom & dad, a grieving friend, someone who has had a really rough time at work, anyone really! Not in your comfort zone to make an entire meal? Drop off a sweet treat or bring a fancy coffee to a work buddy!

CALL A FRIEND TO CATCH UP ON LIFE

Do it during your commute or drive to the grocery store. Nowadays, sending a text is more normal than actually talking on the phone. I am challenging you to actually pick up the phone and give a friend a call. The conversation will take you many more places than a text thread.

SCHEDULE A FRIEND DATE

Walk in your neighborhood, see a movie, or grab a cup of coffee on a Saturday morning. There is nothing better than face-to-face catching up with your bestie!

Liz Smith is a board certified Physician Assistant with a passion for food & travel. She loves putting her own healthy-ish spin on new and old recipes. She also enjoys exploring the world with her husband, Petey. You can find them in and out of their kitchen on Instagram @thevintagefork or on her blog www.thevintageforkblog.com