👋 Linh here. One of my biggest, but quietest heartaches over the last few years is seeing my circle of close friends shrink.

What's happening: When the pandemic hit, several friends decided to leave Des Moines to be closer to their families.

• Others took the opportunity to find jobs in bigger cities.

Why it matters: Friendships are some of the most undervalued, but important relationships in our lives.

• American culture puts a heavy emphasis on romantic partnerships, but friendships are known to improve satisfaction in our lives, help us feel secure and guide us through major life changes.

By the numbers: Our ability to meet new friends and retain friendships gets more challenging as we gain responsibilities and lose proximity to people we care about.

• 50% of our close friends are replaced every seven years, according to a 2009 study.
• In college, it takes 40 hours of time with someone to consider them a casual friend. But as an adult, it's more than double that (94 hours), according to Esther Perel, a psychotherapist and author who studies modern relationships.

More than 350 Axios Des Moines readers responded to our survey about friendship and the majority of you said you have friends, but are open to more.

What you're saying: Some of you said that you would like deeper connections and more friends with the same interests.

• One respondent said their friends decided to move out of Des Moines several years ago, but "I do understand why they've left."
• Another said the pandemic left them more recluse and with little energy to go out.

So what should we do? One of the biggest reasons we lose some of our friendships is lack of contact.

• A tool to use: Make a list of the top ten people you consider close friends. Reach out to the person it's been the longest since you've talked to and repeat the cycle every so often.

What else: Set aside your ego. If you feel hurt that someone hasn't reached out, consider that you may not know the whole story.

• Don't cut off an opportunity to improve communication that's meaningful to you.

Shoutout: Do you have any tips on how you make and keep friends? Reply and let us know.

The median home sales price in Des Moines is $234,900, as of last month.

• So we looked into what recently sold around that price point in the metro's real estate market.

400 SW 7th St., #302 — $302,000

Specs: Two bed, two bath, 1,041 square feet.

Features: Master bathroom has a dual-sink vanity and walk-in closet. Attached garage space.

Asking price: $292,000.

Sold for: $302,000.

See more Des Moines homes and compare to other real estate markets: Austin and Dallas

🎓 Grand View University has purchased 17 acres of the former Eastgate Plaza for $3.1 million. The property is adjacent to its Viking Events Center and will likely be used for future expansion of its athletic facilities. (Business Record)

🇺🇦 More than 100 people participated in an anti-war march at the State Capitol in support of Ukraine Saturday. (KCCI-TV)

🚴🏽 RAGBRAI pass-through towns were announced Sunday, including Algona, New Hampton and Elgin. This year's route runs across much of northern Iowa. (Des Moines Register)

🌇 Elton John paid tribute to Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins during a Des Moines concert Saturday before singing "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me." Hawkins died Friday. (Blabbermouth.net)

⭐️ Today's headline maker: Laura Knispel of Grimes.

👀 Check out who's hiring on our Job Board.

1. Sponsorship director at Iowa State Fair/Blue Ribbon Foundation.

2. Charitable giving advisor at Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines.

3. Senior program manager, development and finance at World Food Prize Foundation.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.

Hiring? Post a Job.

👋 Jason here. I detested Spam when I was a kid. Canned cooked pork with "natural gelatin." No thanks.

What happened: I was visiting my aunt in Ankeny earlier this month and we wanted lunch. Alohana Hawaiian Grill was close and it had a few open seats.

• I felt a bit daring and decided to give "spiced ham" another try.

On my plate: Grilled Spam saimin.

• Ramen noodle soup with diced green onions, topped with grilled Spam ($6.50).

Thought bubble: I inhaled the dish, and plan to go back for more.

• The meat was cut into thin strips, far more pleasing than my childhood memory of it being a cold, jiggly blob.

⏰ Open: Mon.-Fri., 10am-8pm; Sat.-Sun., 11am-8pm.

• 802 SE Oralabor Rd., #128 in Ankeny.

"Borealis" is a new functional art light display under the bridge at Eighth and Cherry streets in downtown Des Moines.

• Transitioning colors mimic patterns seen in the Northern Lights.

State of play: The project is a piece of Operation Downtown's effort to create a more welcoming environment and enhance the city's walkability.

• Polk County government, the Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation and EMC Insurance paid for the project

Worthy of your time: Washington, D.C.-based artist Alex Braden explains his goals for the project in this one-minute video.