A warm exchange of hellos with a favorite friend or relative is a wonderful boost. What can make it even better? Making it a video chat, so you can see each other on your computers while you visit. Many people use videoconferencing for work, or with a tech-savvy child who goes off to college – but stick to old habits talking to other phone friends the same way as always. The next time you’re thinking about catching up with an old roommate or a cousin across the country, suggest setting it up as a video-call. Services like Skype or Gmail Chat are easy even for newbies – and free.

-- Paula Spencer Scott