Phrases to Use to Reach Out to an Old Friend

Let’s face it, the feeling of loneliness can be a real struggle for many people for many different reasons—our lives become more hectic and we have more responsibilities the older we get, and opportunities for new connections can be less accessible than when we were younger. In addition to relying on meeting new people, we can hone our skills at re-establishing existing connections, as awkward as that can feel sometimes.

The choice of phrases should reflect your genuine interest in re-establishing the connection and respect for the other person's feelings and boundaries. Here are some specific phrases you can use:

1. Express Your Interest:

• "I've been thinking about you and wondering how you've been."

• "I've missed our conversations and wanted to catch up."

2. Acknowledge the Gap:

• "I know it's been a while since we last spoke, and I apologize for not reaching out sooner."

• "Life has been busy, but I've been wanting to reconnect with you."

3. Show Empathy:

• "I hope you've been well during this time."

• "I understand if you've had a lot going on; life can get busy."

4. Share a Memory:

• "I was reminiscing about the great times we had together."

• "Remember when we used to [mention a shared experience]? Those were some good times."

5. Extend an Invitation:

• "I'd love to catch up over coffee or a meal if you're available."

• "Would you be interested in reconnecting and sharing what's been happening in our lives?"

6. Respect Their Response:

• "No pressure, though; I understand if now isn't the right time."

• "Feel free to let me know what works best for you."

Remember that people have different reasons for losing touch, and their circumstances may have changed. Be patient and understanding of their response, whether it's enthusiastic or cautious. The key is to approach them with sincerity, warmth, and a willingness to rebuild the connection at their own pace.