The Importance of Follow-Up

Back in my teens and twenties when I dated, the guy usually asked me at the door when he could see me again.  That's certainly a form of follow-up, indicating that he enjoyed taking me out enough to want to try it again as soon as possible.  Women also talk about the importance of a telephone call  the morning after and are disturbed when there isn't one reassuring them that it had all been wonderful.  I have a man in my life who is so good about responding and expressing appreciation (even when he may not really feel it--as with Stern Grove) that now my thoughts and feelings about follow up are directed more towards friends--and towards me.  Am I good about follow-up?  The morning after a dinner with friends, do I send an e-mail thanking them?  I think I do.  I hope I do.  I feel good when people think of me the morning after s dinner or whatever I've invited them to...and I feel bad when they don't.  It's not just the "manners" aspect of it.  It's the human connectedness, as corny as that may sound.  I've reached out to them, and when they're silent the next day (or week or for months and months), it feels as if they've just moved away, broken that link.