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Happy Monday, loves!  It’s rare that I ever want Monday’s to come, but after being pretty much off for the past two and a half weeks, today marks my first “official” day back to work and back in the swing of things.  Pretty tough!  I’ve had plenty of time to think over the course of the past few weeks, and I wanted to share with you something I’ve been working on lately.

The past few years in particular, I’ve really learned that I am a huge introvert (kind of shocking when you always thought of yourself as an extrovert), and with that have noticed that I haven’t made friendships as big of a priority in my life.  I’m learning that friendships are so important, and while I absolutely love Daniel and he is my best friend, girlfriends are such an important part of my life!  Today I want to share three tips to help you become a better friend, all of which I am currently working on…haha 😊.  Preaching to the choir over here!

Text Back

Sounds silly, but I can’t tell you how many of my texts back to my girlfriends start with, “Hey!  Sorry it’s taken me so long to get back to you!”  I can’t be the only one guilty of this.  I know my friends love me and aren’t holding grudges over it, but still!  Part of making my friends a priority means taking the time to respond to them and make conversation on regular basis.  We all have crazy busy lives, and things will always get in the way, but making it a habit of texting back is something I am currently working really hard on.

Get Her a Gift

Giving and receiving gifts is one of my biggest love languages, so maybe that’s where this is coming from, but a little something to show your friend how much you appreciate her goes a long way.  After my tonsillectomy, one of my best friends (hey, Allie!) sent a bunch of peonies to my doorstep that were waiting for me when I got home.  It was such a sweet surprise, and the fact that she cared about me enough to show me she was thinking of me meant the world!  It made me recognize that no matter how small, it’s truly just about letting her know you’re thinking of her, appreciate her friendship, and love her.  Even a handwritten card goes a long way!

Make Girl’s Night a Priority

When we were newly married, nights at home with Daniel were my favorite thing!  Getting takeout and watching movies on our couch was my definition of the perfect weekend (and still is!), however I didn’t realize until I went out with my girlfriends a few months later how refreshing it is to go out with girls!  I truly believe it makes me a better wife and person.  And I think Daniel probably finds me so much more fun to be around.  I come home excited, joyful, and refreshed every time.  My college girlfriends and I live a little over an hour apart and try to at least go out to dinner every few months, and last Fall we actually took a weekend trip together…so fun!

This floral cold shoulder top is new to my closet and makes the perfect outfit for a Summer girl’s night out!  In a couple weeks, my friends and I are getting together again and I am planning on wearing this cutie.  It is the perfect feminine piece and the colors make it so fun for Summer.  I paired it with my favorite jeans and heels to dress it up for a night out, but it would look equally as cute with a pair of shorts and sandals.

What are some of your tips to becoming a good friend?!  Send them my way!  xoxo, Daryl-Ann

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