Ive had 4 core friends for 10-20 years now. I’m not the center of their life and they’re not the center of mine. We often go months without talking but when that phone rings, text, whatever… you pick up and it’s like no time is lost. Whether they want to catch up or genuinely need help, we all just answer with no guilt. It also helps knowing that each of us are some kind of social awkward enough to understand that I don’t want to be on the phone once or twice a week with you 😅
Just be open about how much you care and never guilt back. Good luck. You cared enough to reach out for advice, you’re worth it.