3 Quick Pointers for Building Relationships with Twentysomethings

by Margaret Feinberg

-Get Plugged In. Twentysomethings are on the Internet. Most have an email address, and many have a web page. Don’t just pick up the phone. Email twentysomething friends from time to time. Visit their webpages, and if they had a well-established career, try to google the person. Go to www.google.com and type in the person’s name with quotes around it. You may find a whole lot of buried talent.

-Be Sensitive to Finances. Young adults often have more discretionary income than married couples with kids, but don’t assume every twentysomething single is a high-roller. Strapped with student loans, credit card debt, and an entry-level or low paying job, you may want to pick up the tab for lunch more than every other time or plan on some picnics.

-Be There. Be Where? You have limited time and resources, but here are three important dates to remember in every twentysomethings’ life: Birthdays, Valentine’s Day and Moving Day. If you have trouble remembering birthdays, sign up for a free reminder at www.birthdayalarm.com. Pick up the phone, send a card, or buy a gift – whether it’s big or small – whatever you do means more than you could know. For single twentysomethings, invest in cards, candy and flowers as an unexpected Valentine’s surprise. And whenever a twentysomething is moving – especially if he/she is moving away – offer to help clean, pack or carry boxes. Your actions will be a lifelong reminder that you really did care.

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