dreaming715,

I totally relate.  Ways of staying connected is to have a standing get together, e.g. monthly dinners over each other’s place.  Have it on fixed, specific date(s) and time.  This way it’ll be on everyone’s calendar ahead of time.

When “friends” blow you off for someone else consistently, they are telling you that you are not their priority.

I believe in being direct, especially when something is bothering you.  Tell your dad and those people in your life how you are feeling.  “Dad/Best Friend, I really miss seeing you.  You are very important in my life.  I like to make it a priority to make sure that we get together on a regular basis (every week/month.. whatever).  When I try to arrange something, you don’t seem to make time for me.  I find myself wanting to withdraw from our relationship.  Can we do something about this?”

They may still behave the same but at least you did what you could in communicating explicitly about what is going on with you.

Mark