Laura

Welcome to Before Breakfast, a production of iHeart Radio.

Good morning.

This is Laura.

Welcome to the Before Breakfast podcast.

Today's tip is that before you get together with a friend or relative, take a moment to reflect on what's going on for them.

Think of any new developments in your life that they might find interesting.

That way, you can be ready for a meaningful connection.

Most people, I mean, I hope, plan for work meetings and have a clear agenda and purpose for the meetings they have convened.

We do this so we get things done effectively and don't waste people's time.

And I actually think there's a lot to be said for prepping for social get-togethers too.

As with a work meeting, a little forethought can make a personal gathering much more meaningful.

While you probably don't want to circulate an agenda in advance of a lunch date with friends, it is wise to think through what's going on in the lives of the people you are going to be seeing and what's going on in your own life that you want to share and maybe get their input on.

Did you last see your friends before or after you found out that you aren't moving for your spouse's job?

If it was before, be sure to update them.

Have you told them about the rowing class you just started and are loving?

And that you think they might want to check out?

Think through any topics in your life that your friends might find interesting.

Also, reflect on topics in your friends' lives that you want to follow up on.

Whatever happened with that renovation project your friend was considering?

How is your other friend's mom settling into the retirement home?