How often should I keep in touch?

Choose how many people are in each circle and how often you'd like to be in touch. You'll see what it adds up to each week. It's usually less than you'd expect.

Let your phone do the arithmetic

Tiewell keeps a rhythm for each person and shows you, each morning, the one or two people who are due, along with what you talked about last time. You write the message yourself.

How to choose a rhythm

• Start smaller than you think. A rhythm you keep beats an ambitious one you abandon in a fortnight.
• A message counts. A voice note or "saw this and thought of you" keeps a friendship warm between proper catch-ups.
• Different people, different rhythms. A friend who moved abroad may love a monthly call; an old colleague is happy with a note every few months.
• Remember the context. Asking "how did the interview go?" means more than "sorry it's been ages". Jot down one line after each chat.
• Skip the guilt. If you miss a week, nothing is lost. Pick it up again tomorrow.