A friend has just become a parent and is terrified of losing touch with all their friends. What would you tell them?

A natural way to answer

I'd say be honest with people and lower the bar. You can't host dinner parties right now, but a quick message keeps the connection alive. The friends who matter will meet you halfway and understand the season you're in.

Key phrases to use

• hold it against — to continue to feel angry or resentful towards someone for something they did“I won't hold it against you if you cancel.”
• meet you halfway — to make an equal effort or compromise so a relationship works for both sides“A good friend will meet you halfway.”
• hinge on — to depend entirely on a particular thing“Real friendship doesn't hinge on how often you talk.”
• rally round — to come together to support someone during a difficult or important time“Everyone rallied round when the baby arrived.”