Let's be real - with jam packed schedules, our close friendships often end up on the backburner. You get stuck in a rut of quick coffee dates or endless text chains trying to stay caught up. Sound familiar to anyone?
If you feel like you and your besties could use some dedicated quality time together, then plan an awesome out-of-the-box friendship date! Ditch the dull dinner-and-a-movies routine. Get out there and make special memories while deepening bonds.
I'm talking hitting up trendy paint night classes, attempting to master paddle boarding without face-planting, or volunteering together at the animal shelter (I mean...puppy play time!) Basically, anything meaningful you don't typically do that sets aside intentional hours to explore interests, crack up, and chat minus other distractions.
My best advice? Brainstorm outings based on what you geek out over or have always wanted to dabble in. Cooking and fancy charcuterie boards your jam? Host a Chopped challenge night! Adrenaline junkies? Sign up for an indoor skydiving sesh! Wanna give back? Rope friends into a habitat build day.
Flex your planning skills to orchestrate an epic bonding activity that gets you laughing, learning, and making memories. No more "we should really hang out soon" empty promises. Actually circle a calendar date then show up to reconnect.
Rather than defaulting to the same old spots, try organizing these fresh friendship date concepts:
Get Crafty
Bring out your inner artisans together at a local paint and sip, pottery studio, or DIY workshop. Many offer food, wine, and all supplies included to create charming decorative pieces like wall hangings, serving platters, mugs that you can gift or display proudly. The process itself sparks laughs, memories, and unexpected talents.
Cook Up Camaraderie
Skip the restaurants and plan a special meal to cook together instead. Split up recipes in advance to prepare shareable dishes and apps for a personalized dining experience without the bills. Feast over candlelight on charcuterie boards, favorite family recipes, or cuisine from a culture you’re hoping to explore. Then trade off on kitchen cleanup duty after.
Team Up and Give Back
Volunteering as a team redirect focus to others in impactful ways while deepening bonds in the process. Local animal shelters and food banks regularly need groups for events or recurring help. You can mentor underprivileged youth together through organizations like Girls Inc or Big Brothers Big Sisters that facilitate outings for positive role modeling.
Get Moving
Nature has scientifically-proven friendship boosting effects. Embark on an area hiking trail or kayak tour that provides exercise plus panoramas. Bond over learning something active and out of the ordinary like trapeze, rock climbing, or paddle boarding. Or stick to simpler but still stimulating outdoor games together like oversized Jenga, spikeball, frisbee, or cornhole in the park.
Don't overthink it! Just have fun and be fully present (put the phones away, I swear it won't kill you for a couple hours). Get creative in ways that celebrate your unique friendship. When someone's company still feels effortless after all this time, that's a bond worth appreciating.