How to Make New Friends but Keep the Old

As you get older and life goes on, people are constantly brought into your life. When you go to school, start a new job or enjoy your free time, you're making friends all the time. Sometimes it can be tricky keeping old friends when finding new ones, but there are ways to hold on to the few true friends while you memorize those new names and faces.

Allow Yourself to Make New Friends
Starting a new job, going to a new school or moving to a new place is going to create many opportunities for you to meet new people and make friends to last a lifetime. Enjoy these opportunities and make great friends by not limiting yourself to your old buddies. Don't exclusively socialize with one crew - it's good to branch out and have friends that are different and separate from your core social circle.

Create a Balance
Some people have difficulty balancing the old and new. Focus on setting aside time for everyone. If you spent all last weekend hanging out with your new work friends, make time this week to have dinner with your oldest school chum. It's crucial to not forget about anyone important to you.

Your old friends are probably meeting plenty of new people themselves, which definitely takes pressure off of you to be there constantly for your old companions. Setting up time to spend with old friends guarantees that you all have a chance to connect, catch up and share in your successes. 

It can be hard when many people are pulling at you in different directions and requesting your time. If you are feeling worn thin, at some point you can introduce your old friends to your new ones. If you have spent a lot of time with new friends and less time with old ones, hanging out with both at the same time is a great solution to any time management issues.

This also creates networking possibilities for you and your friends. After all, if you like these people, there is a high liklihood that they will connect and enjoy each other's company. You might also benefit by being introduced to friends that your old pals have made. 

Stay Connected
Your old friends know you the best and have shared many memories with you, so tell them all about your new experiences. These are the best people to share your success with because they have been with you through thick and thin. The best way to keep old friends is simply by staying in touch.

If you no longer live in the same state or city, know the best times to call. Staying connected is easier than ever these days with cell phones with texting features, Facebook, e-mail and Twitter. Even if you only can chat a couple times a month, or even a year, remember the important days. Remembering a birthday shows someone you really care; calling during the holidays is always a wise idea.

It is also important to remember that your old friends need to make an effort to keep in touch with you. If you feel that you're putting in all the effort or that an old friend is unappreciative, it may be time to reconsider the value of this person to you. It isn't fair for you to stress and wear yourself out over someone who wouldn't or doesn't do the same for you.

Making new friends is part of everyone's life journey, but make sure you hold onto the people who have been along for the ride for a long time. Old friends and new friends are equally important, and keeping both close to you may be easier than you'd expect.