Making Friends / How to Maintain Friendships / Lesson 11

LESSON 11 · HOW TO MAINTAIN FRIENDSHIPS

Send a Voice Note on Your Walk

Thirty-two easy ways to send a voice note on your walk, a lovely way to share your day with friends who are far away.

Your voice carries your day. Walk and talk to a friend.

28 tipsEasy things to say7-day plan

Start with tip 1

Jump to the 7-day plan

28 tips that really help

These ideas come from The Good Life (Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz), Friends (Robin Dunbar), Platonic (Marisa Franco), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.

TIP 1

Walking and talking works

Fresh air and movement lift mood, and a voice note lets a friend hear it. It feels like a shared walk.

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Try it.

TIP 2

Pick a nice walk

A park, street or beach adds charm. Choose somewhere pleasant.

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Choose.

TIP 3

Plan two points

Know a greeting, one story and one question. Plan lightly.

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Plan.

TIP 4

Start warmly

Say, hi, it is Sam, I am on my walk. A smile shows in your voice.

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Smile.

TIP 5

Describe what you see

Say, the trees are golden here. Descriptions make them feel present.

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Describe.

TIP 6

Share a short story

A funny or sweet moment from your day. Keep it under two minutes.

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Tell it.

TIP 7

Ask a question

Ask, how is your day going? Invite a reply.

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Ask.

TIP 8

Speak slowly

Walking can make you rush. Breathe and slow down.

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Slow down.

TIP 9

Mind the noise

Wind and traffic can drown your voice. Hold the phone close.

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Check sound.

TIP 10

End kindly

Say, talk soon, bye. Warm and simple.

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Close.

TIP 11

Listen to their reply on your next walk

Make it a back-and-forth. Walking together across distance.

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Reply.

TIP 12

Make it a ritual

A weekly walking voice note with a friend builds rhythm. Rituals last.

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Create one.

TIP 13

Script: starting

Hi, it is Sam, I am out on my walk and thought of you. Say it warmly.

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Use it.

TIP 14

Script: describing

The leaves are all golden here and it is so lovely. Say it brightly.

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Use it.

TIP 15

Script: asking

How is your day going so far? Say it with interest.

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Use it.

TIP 16

Script: story

Let me tell you the funny thing that happened this morning. Say it cheerfully.

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Use it.

TIP 17

Script: closing

Talk soon, enjoy your day! Say it sincerely.

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Use it.

TIP 18

Mistake: walking in a noisy place

Noise spoils clarity, so choose quieter spots.

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Choose well.

TIP 19

Mistake: rambling for ten minutes

Long notes are hard to play, so keep it short.

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Trim.

TIP 20

Mistake: sharing private info in public

Others may hear, so keep it light.

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Be discreet.

TIP 21

Troubleshoot: when you feel shy about your voice

Practise by recording to yourself. Most friends love hearing you.

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Practise.

TIP 22

Troubleshoot: when you stumble

A small laugh and carry on. Real voices are charming.

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Relax.

TIP 23

Troubleshoot: when they never reply by voice

Switch to text or video. Use what they enjoy.

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Adapt.

TIP 24

Troubleshoot: when time zones differ

Voice notes suit that perfectly. Send when you can.

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Use it.

TIP 25

Troubleshoot: when English is not your first language

Speak slowly with simple sentences. Warmth matters more.

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Be clear.

TIP 26

Drill: send one on your next walk

Send one voice note on your next walk. Keep it under one minute.

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Try.

TIP 27

Drill: plan a weekly walking note

Pick a friend and a day for a weekly walking voice note. Start.

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Plan.

TIP 28

Drill: practise your three points

Practise greeting, story and question before recording. Use it.

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Practise.

Easy things to say

When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many everyday friendships.

GREET

“Hi, I am on my walk.”

SHARE

“Look at the sunshine here.”

ASK

“How is your day going?”

TELL

“Let me tell you about my morning.”

THANK

“Thanks for listening.”

CLOSE

“Talk soon.”

Your first week

One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.

DAY 1
Walk somewhere nice

DAY 2
Record a short note

DAY 3
Describe what you see

DAY 4
Share one thing

DAY 5
Ask a question

DAY 6
Send

DAY 7
Listen to their reply

Further reading

• The Good Life (Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz)
• Friends (Robin Dunbar)
• Platonic (Marisa Franco)

The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.

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These lessons share general learning and everyday ideas. They are not medical or mental health advice. If you feel very anxious, low or unwell, please talk to a doctor or a qualified professional.