After 3 other gatherings I've missed since we all first hung out, my colleagues finally got me to commit to a date after almost a month of booking. It's really nice to have set aside a Friday to join them and really just have fun on the microphone.
It's important to always build connections with colleagues because then you get to see them more as friends than work buddies who you might not personally think you need to be nice to. I am thankful that despite always not being able to make it for gatherings, they never gave up on inviting me.
I assured them that I will join them for more, just as long as they let me know on advance.
Last Friday I said to myself that I will commit at least once every quarter to hang out with them to build rapport and connect with them as friends.
Cheers
