The phrase, 'catching up,' has turned into an integral closing line for casual banter between casual friends. It implies being left behind. You are literally playing, "catch. up." How did we go from having a few good friends to having many... friends?
We're in a culture where our social circle is judged by a misleading number on the left column of our facebook page. I've been rigid in accepting friend requests and yet, there are people on my friend list who are almost strangers. X has Y number of friends. Does he really?
What is our obsession in trying to keep up with as many people as will fit into our phone directories? It sounds harmless, really. But, chances are, the reason for wanting to meet a friend is not simply for, "catching up."
Let me present to you that it has more to do with keeping oneself busy with an active social life. To present oneself with opportunities. There's usually a deeper longing behind the innocent statement stated. Fill up time, perhaps? Potential romantic interest? Guilt for not keeping in touch with an old friend? Or, just a plain old excuse to avoid meeting them? "Let's catch up sometime," is a much easier way of saying, "Right now, I have other priorities." I'm taking responsibility for putting friendships on the back burner with that statement. It would be preferable for me to say, "Hey, I'd like to meet you for (stated purpose)."
It's good to let people know why you want some of their time and then let them choose if they want to give it to you.
