I want to be a better friend, need advice!

[PenguinsLoveSnow]

I know this might sound a bit daft. I’m 45 and realising that while I’m not completely clueless, I’ve spent a couple of decades prioritising work and then children, and while I value my friendships highly, I feel that I’m just a bit rubbish at showing them that and really want to be better. But for some reason I feel a bit lost with it now.

So my question is… what little things do you do to show your friends that they’re important to you?

Remember stuff they told me they were doing and check later how it went.

If you know they were out for the day or something similar , text them and ask how it was.
I often send photos if I am away
If they are having a tough time, text and say you are thinking of them.
One friend was widowed and I used to take her home made food eg bread or pate if I was making.
All that said, be prepared for not everyone to reciprocate. I have two friends with whom I am in constant contact throughout the day wherever I am in the world and my longest standing friend often doesn’t contact me unless we have plans.

Thanks @Enko and @Rocknrollstar .

I think making the time and effort for more regular contact is a big part of it actually, sharing more day to day stuff rather than just getting in touch to make plans.

Thinking of what I dislike about some friendships - don’t contact them just to update them about your life, ask them how they are and mean the question - listen and interact with their response.

And as pps above, remember things they are doing/going through and ask them about it.

Show interest in them without gossiping about it to others.