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How to handle it — mates, when you've drifted

Moves for rebuilding a crew when the friendships have faded.

It's hit you that you don't have close friends you could actually call.

Right now

  • You're not the only one — loads of blokes are in the same boat and say nothing.
  • Text one old mate today. 'Been too long — beer soon?' is all it takes.

Don't

  • Don't wait for them to reach out. Someone has to go first; let it be you.

Later

  • Rebuilding takes a few goes. Keep sending the texts — most land eventually.

More on this → Mates & male friendships

Mates: the short version

  1. 1.Someone goes first — let it be you. Send the text.
  2. 2.Bolt it to an activity — mateship grows side by side.
  3. 3.Go one level deeper with one mate.
  4. 4.It's never too weird to reconnect.
  5. 5.Two real mates beat a big shallow circle.
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