Making plans

If it doesn’t start with a text, it starts from a conversation had in person. A suggestion—we should [fill in the blank] sometime. If the plan is a real plan, and not just something said out of politeness, then a conversation participant will say, “Yes, we should! I’m free at [fill in specific time and date, or times and dates that might work].” Then there will be some negotiating over the time and date and activity, with some loose boundaries set for the date in question.

“We could try to see if that pizza place is open, or if not, we could get some kind of takeout and play board games.” “Ok great!”

Notice, no specific time is set. That is a conversation to be had later in the week, closer to the event in question. A text exchange will happen a day or two before: “Hey, does [activity at time and place] still work for you?”

Then commences the finalization of the last details: meeting place, food to be consumed (if meeting at a restaurant), etc.

It is considered forward to offer up too many details at first, though this would likely not be rejected. It would possibly even be appreciated, if a little odd. Furthermore, it is risky to suggest a meeting place very far from the other party. You may be putting yourself in some distance debt. Best cash that in before winter.

If the friend is a dear friend or if the friend lives close by, plans may happen more spontaneously. Even so, there will likely be some communication via text or phone (more rare) before dropping by. It would be considered very surprising indeed to have a friend drop by unannounced and expect to spend any social time with you.