Michael,
Thank you for your posting.
My work as a Hypnotherapist puts me in front of many people with relationship problems, it's fascinating and sad. It is lovely to resolve such issues and I would love to spend some time with Shirley but a few thousand miles makes it difficult however, a lot can be acheived by honest dealings with friends.
You are on EXACTLY the right track. Keep old friends before making new ones.
I learned that many years ago in business. My Managing Director was brilliant at getting new customers but neglected existing ones and started losing them. I made my task as Production Director one of looking after my OLD cutomers, kept them happy and INFORMED.
My tip.
SOMETHING is better than NOTHING.
Do a preset reply such as this, copy and paste it WHEN YOU REALLY HAVE TO. It is awful to have to do BUT it is MUCH BETTER THAN NOT REPLYING. We all have time issues.
''Hello my good friend. I am aware that I owe you a reply or indeed a contact and if the matter is REALLY IMPORTANT to you, please let me know. I am glad to say that as a successful human being I have many friends and the demands of friendship can be heavy.
At this moment in time I find myself overstretched and to contact you briefly would be to do you an injustice. Please remind me soon if I don't contact you either to answer your questions or to just make friendly contact. YOU are a friend and as such are important to me.
This is a pre-prepared statement BUT I MEAN EVERY WORD. You are special to me.
Roger''
It's not the best solution, but it is much better than losing touch as long as you believe it.
Yes Michael, keep doing what you're doing.
I was VERY touched by your sensitive reply to Shirley. I wanted to say so much more but a forum is not the best place.
If I can help Shirley from here you can be assured I will.
Your friend,
Roger