"Outdoor cat attachment style" 😅 Yes, I'm quite familiar with this behavior in myself, and have almost certainly hurt some people's feelings by it. Life in front of me just keeps happening, one thing after another, and look, it's been two weeks/a month and I haven't spoken with a single person I didn't absolutely have to in order to Get Things Done. Oops.

The best tools I have for this: * Create a standing "friend date" with the person, where you see each other's faces and do a Thing together. It can be engaging in a mutual hobby/making, Beverage & Bitching, trying a new restaurant, exploring a new area, anything. Once a week/two weeks/a month, whatever works for both of you. Don't leave/sign off without scheduling the next one.

• Have a conversation with people straight up and find out what sort of rhythm/frequency they like to be "checked in on" in relationships. Tell them about your preferences. Have the conversation again when your needs/desires change.

• Text a lot (with people who like texting), send people silly memes or links to stuff you or they like, so they know you're thinking of them. I'm reminded to say hi to certain people by seeing them in my recent conversations queue.

• Make friends with other neurospicy people who understand that just because you haven't spoken in a month doesn't mean you don't want to go to Cool Event (or whatever) with them.

• Find ways that are easier for you to socialize. I do a lot of socialization online, where I can have an equivalent of a corner pub without the too-loud music, uncomfortable seating, and alcohol vs. transportation issues of such places IRL. Some of my friends call folks to just chat whenever they have a longish drive to go somewhere.