People want to chat with me. They want to call me on the phone and have a chat.
The worst part is, I actually don’t have time for a chat. No, the WORST part is, how guilty I feel about it.
There are people in my life who would love to call me up and spend 20 to 30 minutes “catching up.” The chances of finding me available to answer the phone when they call is slim to none. The likelihood that I would be able to spend the next 20 minutes chatting is akin to the possibility that I will wake up tomorrow with a 24” waist.
And I LOVE these people. They are friends and family. I choose to have them in my life. I don’t want to think about the treatment that could be meted out to an enemy!
Well meaning, loving friends want to play games with me online or on Facebook. What is my problem? I don’t have time to play games at all – never mind online games.
I do remember spending many glorious hours playing Tetris at the office back in the day. But that was before children came into my life.
I barely have time to go on Facebook to “approve” my friend requests when they come in. Thank goodness people still want to be friends with someone who can’t chat or play Scrabble online!
Oh boy, hate to admit it, but, I can’t really do lunch either. O.K., there are three friends that I meet for lunch very rarely because we have a lunch tradition with each other. But, as a regular activity, no.
Lunch is prime work time between dropping off the kids and picking them up again. I have to pack an 8 hour day into that 5 hours and get some exercise, so lunch is usually out of the question.
Oh my gosh. I admit to being a complete wet blanket.
Coach Me Quick Tips for Letting go of chat guilt by thinking about what you DO for your friends and family:
- Maybe you are great in an emergency – happily swooping in to offer a shoulder to cry on or a good stiff drink.
- You might be great on email or written letters (yes, some people still write letters J)
- How about multi-tasking? Can you take a walk with a friend to get your exercise and combine that with a heart to heart chat?
- Are you quick with a smile or a hug?
- Do you support your friends by “liking” their projects and businesses on Facebook?
- Do you give wonderful and thoughtful gifts?
Taking a look at the ways you give to your friends and family, will shift your perspective from guilt to acceptance.
Remember that circumstances change. Once your children grow, or your job changes, so will your time and your interests. You may never become a chatter – but you will always find a way to let your friends and family know they are loved.