Reflect before you connect

Think about what you'd like to discuss with friends and family

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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:03):
Welcome to Before Breakfast, a production of iHeartRadio. 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

(00:27):
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

(00:48):
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

(01:09):
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've found out that you aren't moving for
your spouse's job. If it was before, be sure.

Speaker 2 (01:32):
To update them. Have you told them about the rowing
class you just started in 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 friend's lives that you
want to follow up on. Whatever happened with that renovation

(01:54):
project your friend was considering? How is your other friend's
mom settling into the retirement home. Is your friend with
the green thumb started on her vegetable garden?

Speaker 1 (02:04):
Yet?

Speaker 2 (02:06):
You can even write yourself a note about what you
want to converse about, whether in a paper calendar or
in a digital calendar, You can leave yourself a note
like any college news for jack or moms move to
the retirement home, or job search progress, Especially when we're
feeling stretched going from one thing to another. Spending just

(02:28):
a little time, I mean even just five minutes reflecting
before you connect can make a big difference in how
deep those connections actually are. When you have prioritized time
for relationships in your busy life, taking the extra few
minutes to prep can make your time to gather even

(02:51):
more satisfying than it already is. In the meantime, this
is Laura. Thanks for listening, and here's to making the
most of our time. Thanks for listening to Before Breakfast.

(03:14):
If you've got questions, ideas, or feedback, you can reach
me at Laura at Laura vandercam dot com. Before Breakfast
is a production of iHeartMedia. For more podcasts from iHeartMedia,
please visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you

(03:36):
listen to your favorite shows.