Holiday Mail and Unpacking Unrequited Friendships

Hi Friends Ricky Here!

It's the beginning of the holiday season for me in the United States. It's typically the season where my circle of friends start sending out their annual Christmas greeting cards.

Some will send a professional photo along with a "Seasons Greetings", others will accompany the photo with a several page letter reflecting the year in length, and others will (what some would consider too much time) make a photoshop image incorporating their family in a post card.

For me these season letters and post cards serve as a reminder to connect with my friends in more predictable ways. I think because we have access to our friends ANYTIME, it makes our connection points more unpredictable and spontaneous. It's not a bad thing at all. I just know that for me, when I don't hear from certain friends unpredictably, and I don't have a predictable way for me to hear from them, the communication windows increase from days, to weeks, to months. If that makes sense.

In research published in May 2020 by the United States Postal Service (USPS), 65% of people agreed that receiving mail lifted their spirits. About 67% said they have sent or would send mail to family and friends.

During this season, I'm working to connect to more of the people inside my friends and good friends circles by sending letter and post cards.

Upcoming Podcast Teaser: Unrequited Friendships

In our next episode, we're delving into the world of unrequited friendships—a topic that hits close to home for many of us. As I've delved deeper into this matter, it's become evident how common it is. Not every friendship match is a good match, and we will be discussing how it’s important for us to know what makes a good friend and what to do when we get turned down after that initial friendship request has been made.

It's a discussion we've been meaning to have since Season 1, and we're thrilled to finally explore this relatable and often overlooked aspect of friendship. Get ready to dive in with us! 🎙️🤔

Navigating Dunbar's Number: A while back we talked about Dunbars Number, the idea that the human brain can only really have around 150 meaningful interpersonal relationships. Of that 150, the categories break down even further. Do you know which of your friends fit into these categories? Are there any other people in your life you'd like to move into a closer circle?

Podcast Appreciation Note: Your Ratings Matter!

Just like checking restaurant reviews, podcast ratings offer a glimpse into the experience. If you've enjoyed our content, could you spare a minute to leave a rating? Your input not only means the world to us but also helps fellow Friendtim-ites discover our podcast. Let's build this community together! 🌟🎙️

Finally, as we say at the end of each episode, the key to telling mail carrier jokes is a good delivery 📬

P.S. you can find Friendtimate where you listen to podcasts.