When I was a political science student at Hunter College (what seems like a million years ago) we read a book called City Politics. I don’t remember the author. I don’t remember anything that was in it. However, I do remember the cover. It showed a photograph of a handshake.
At the time, I didn’t understand what it really meant. Today, I do. Personal relationships count in government and everywhere else. The more people you know, the better your chances of success because others can help you achieve your goals.
Keep up with old friends. Send a postcard. Make a phone call. I don’t mean to contact them to ask for something, just to keep up a friendship. You never know when you might really need them or when they might really need you. Handshakes are very valuable on a cover and in life.