I genuinely care about my friends and family, but I forget to stay in touch and it makes me feel awful.
I’ll go weeks or months without reaching out, not because I don’t care, but because once someone is out of sight they’re out of mind. Then I remember randomly, feel guilty, and put it off again.
I’ve tried reminders, calendars, notes but nothing really sticks long-term. It’s especially frustrating because I do want to maintain these relationships, it’s like my brain just doesn’t cooperate.
Recently I’ve found a mobile app that helps (after rummaging through the useless, overwhelming ones) but I’m curious does anyone else struggle with this? Have you found anything that actually helps, or is this just one of those autism things you learn to live with?
Edit: since a few people have reached out the app I use is called Kinly Connect
Ive had 4 core friends for 10-20 years now. I’m not the center of their life and they’re not the center of mine. We often go months without talking but when that phone rings, text, whatever… you pick up and it’s like no time is lost. Whether they want to catch up or genuinely need help, we all just answer with no guilt. It also helps knowing that each of us are some kind of social awkward enough to understand that I don’t want to be on the phone once or twice a week with you 😅
Just be open about how much you care and never guilt back. Good luck. You cared enough to reach out for advice, you’re worth it.