If a new friend invites you, go.

I have a policy: when a new friend invites you to something, go. There's a fragility in new friendships—a missed opportunity can easily break the chain of connection. What I love about friendships is that their potential is uncapped and unpredictable—who knows what they might bring into your life? So it's almost always worth taking that extra step to accept the invitation.

But what happens when you can't go? Not enough energy? Too expensive? Not in the mood?

You can mitigate this with a counter-invitation. It doesn’t have to be immediate, but inviting them to something else—whether it’s a one-on-one hangout or an event—keeps the opportunity to connect alive. As long as it’s an easy invite for both parties, a reciprocal invitation can make all the difference.

Next time you get an invite, take the plunge. And if you can’t, find a way to keep the connection alive through a reciprocal invitation.