RENTON, Wash., May 2, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Life's demands take us in so many different directions, too often friendships slip away. National New Friends, Old Friends Week, May 21-27, 2006, reminds us that there is no time like the present to take five minutes to revitalize our friendships. Classmates.com (www.classmates.com), a leader in online social networking, connects approximately 40 million members with friends and acquaintances from school, work and the military and provides a one-stop solution to quickly find, connect and stay in touch with friends.
"With the 24/7 increasing demands of work -- because of the constant access through e-mail, cell phones, the Internet, and technological devices -- it's more important than ever to make the time for friends, no matter how busy you are," says Dr. Jan Yager, friendship expert, coach, author and founder of National New Friends, Old Friends Week. "Saying, 'I don't have the time,' has, unfortunately, become as much of a reality as it is an excuse. At least during National New Friends, Old Friends Week, make the time to let your old and new friends know that they matter to you. If you're really too busy to get together, at least send an e-mail, letter or make a phone call."
"Both quality friendships and time are in short supply for many people today. National New Friends, Old Friends week is a great opportunity to reflect and act upon the meaningful friendships we have enjoyed," said Mark Goldston, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of United Online, Inc, the parent company of Classmates Online, Inc. "It's never too late to register for free Basic membership at Classmates.com, list yourself and search our entire database of 40 million members to find friends, even if you don't know their married name or where they live today."
Is there an old friend from grade school, high school or college that you'd like to try to find? How about someone you worked with or one of your military buddies? Sometimes the hardest part is taking that first step. But that first step can be easier than you think.
Five Tips for Making Time for Your Friends
(Adapted from Dr. Jan Yager's book Friendshifts(r): The Power of Friendship and How It Shapes Our Lives):
-- 1. If you can't get together soon, commit to a time to get
together, even if it's weeks or months in the future.
-- 2. Email, call, or get together for your birthdays so there
are at least two more times a year for you and your
friend to stay connected.
-- 3. Call each other just to say hello and chat, not just to
share the big news, good or bad.
-- 4. Combine meeting your friend with another task or activity.
Get together for lunch, to shop, volunteer, take a class
or exercise by going for a walk.
-- 5. Consider friendship a key concern rather than a
relationship you'll get around to when you find the
time. Find a way to fit in your friends even if you
only have time for a quick phone call or e-mail.
About Classmates Online, Inc.
Classmates Online, Inc., founded in 1995 and based in Renton, WA, is a leader in online social networking. The company operates Classmates.com (www.classmates.com), connecting millions of members throughout the U.S. and Canada with friends and acquaintances from school, work and the military. Its Classmates International subsidiary also operates leading community-based networking sites in Sweden, through Klasstraffen Sweden AB (www.stayfriends.se), and in Germany, through StayFriends GmbH (www.stayfriends.de). Classmates Online is a wholly owned subsidiary of United Online, Inc. (Nasdaq: UNTD). For more information about United Online and its Internet subscription services, please visit www.untd.com.
The Classmates Online, Inc. logo is available at: http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=1385
About Dr. Jan Yager
Dr. Jan Yager is an award-winning author, sociologist, speaker, and teacher. She has written 25 nonfiction and fiction books, including Friendshifts: The Power of Friendship and How It Shapes Our Lives; 125 Ways to Meet the Love of Your Life; When Friendship Hurts and Who's That Sitting at My Desk? Her areas of expertise include relationships and work. Dr. Yager has been interviewed on The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Today Show, Good Morning America, The View and National Public Radio. Find out more about Dr. Yager and National New Friends, Old Friends Week at www.friendshifts.com.
Online pressroom: www.classmates.com/cmo/about
NOTE: Real-life friendship reconnection stories are available for media upon request.