By Shubhra Krishan

When was the last time you spent an unforgettable evening with your friends? If your answer is ''many moons ago'', ask yourself why. Is it really because you're too pressed for time? Or is it because friendship, like everything else in this hurried, harried world, has become more of a demand on your time than a reason to smile?

Smriti Jain, a young Delhi-based homemaker, says, ''Not so long ago, I used to love getting together with my best friend. But now, after marriage and a kid, our conversation quickly degenerates into the dull and the boring. We end up talking about the negative things in our lives - mothers-in-law who nag, hubbies who are never home, kids who won't burp, and movies that bore one to tears. At the end of an evening with her, I find myself feeling more drained than recharged. I long to put back that magic into our friendship...''

In the same boat? Don't despair! Here are some irresistible ideas that are guaranteed to make you sit up and phone a lot of friends, and have the loveliest time of your life. Begin with a resolve: Each time you meet each other, you'll do something that makes you feel physically, mentally, and emotionally more radiant, calmer, and happier.

Here, seven ideas to kick-start your reunions:
Have A Tip-A-Tête
Over a cosy cup of tea, exchange ideas with your friends on how you can improve your skin texture, strengthen your hair, and feel healthier in general. If you've discovered a great new hairdresser, tell your friends about it. If one of them loved a recent facial at a parlour, jot down the number. Ask another friend to share the secret of her glowing skin. Trade tips freely, and you'll find yourself connecting better, feeling closer, and making exciting plans for the next weekend!

Dish Up Some Radiance
A good diet is one of the best ways to nourish both body and soul. But if you're among those who feel too lazy to cook that oatmeal and try that recipe for vegetable casserole, hey - what are friends for? Call them over, and ask them to bring along plenty of ideas for a healthy lunch or dinner. Go grocery shopping together, then come back and cook up a healthy feast together. Or, simply have a potluck party, where each of you cooks a low-fat, no-fuss dish. Set a pretty table, put on some pleasant music and enjoy your meal. As you sample the dishes, discuss ways to add more zest and more nourishment to what you've cooked this time.

Juice The Moment!
Fortunately for us, we live in an exciting world, where bounteous fruits and vegetables in all sorts of colours and flavours are begging us to pick them up and put them in the blender. But all that peeling and chopping alone can seem like a chore. Why not ask your friends to bring along their favourite fresh produce and try out new juice combinations and mocktails together? Then, when the counter is cleaned and the blender is washed, sit down and drink to one another's health.

Match Your Steps
Going for walks or stretching alone isn't half as much fun as when you match steps with a friend. Here's an idea - try and find a personal yoga instructor who will come home and teach a group of you. This way, you'll not only reduce the cost but also double the fun of exercising. Or, sign up for dance classes or swimming lessons together. If nothing else, meet up when you can for a jog or a walk in the park.

Glow Together
On a laid-back weekend morning, get a few of your good friends together and celebrate a home-spa day. Massage each other's hair with coconut oil, give each other facials with instant packs made from kitchen ingredients (for a simple and wonderful face pack, combine gram flour, milk, and turmeric in a bowl and apply on face for a few minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water). Or, give each other manicures and pedicures, try out different hairstyles, interesting shades of lipstick and nail polish. Apply henna for your friends, or wax each other's arms and legs. All in good fun, and at virtually no expense, you'll feel incredibly more beautiful.

Have A Clothes Encounter
Need a wardrobe makeover? Phone a friend - one whose style and taste you admire. Now pull out the contents of your wardrobe, and model the outfits for her. Ask her for her opinion on what looks good on you, what needs to be altered or discarded, and which pieces could do with interesting accessories. Make a bundle of clothes that you can do without, then gift them to charity. If you think there's something among your not-often-worn clothes that your friend might like, offer to gift it to her. Make a shopping list of essential additions to your collection, and have fun shopping for them together. The following week, do the same for her.

Have Some Mind-Glowing Fun
Beauty isn't just skin-deep. Nourish your hearts with a feel-good, uplifting movie on video, or go out and watch a heart-warming one. Some must-watch-together movies that you can enjoy again and again: 'When Harry Met Sally', 'You've Got Mail', 'The Bridges of Madison County', 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge', 'Mili' or one of our chick flicks below. Another beautiful idea: Read out extracts from your favourite books to each other.

See how easy and enjoyable it can be to put the fun back in your friendships? Oh, and one last tip. The next time you meet up, do discuss more interesting ideas on how to have a great time together.

The next time you meet up with your close pals, make it a truly beautiful occasion.