How often have you asked yourself, “How do I initiate contact with someone I haven’t spoken to in years?” It’s a situation many of us have faced. Re-establishing contact after a long duration can be difficult, but the right choice of words can break the ice and pave the way. This guide will help you find the perfect phrases to reconnect and get the conversation going.
Understanding the nuances of reconnecting
Reconnecting is much more than shooting a random “Hey, how’s it going?” to an old contact. It requires thought, empathy, and sincerity. Let’s delve deeper into some effective phrases to employ when reaching out to someone after a long time.
1. Be honest and straightforward
- “Hey! It’s been way too long since we last caught up. Let’s remedy that!”
- “I know it’s been ages but I was thinking of you recently and would love to catch up.”
2. Acknowledge the time that has passed
- “It’s been a while, hasn’t it? I hope everything’s been good with you.”
- “It feels like a lifetime since we last spoke! Let’s get back in touch.”
3. Show genuine interest
- “I came across something the other day that reminded me of you and made me wonder how you’ve been.”
- “Do you remember when we used to…? It made me think about you.”
Your intentions matter
Remember, when you’re reaching out to someone after a lengthy period, your sincerity is crucial. A genuine message can go a long way in rekindling a friendship or a professional connection. Now it’s time to craft your message and reach out!
So, what should my first message contain?
“Hi [Name],
I hope this message finds you well. It’s been quite some time since we last caught up and a lot has happened since then – many memories were made and lessons learnt. I did some reminiscing and thought of our shared experiences which made me want to reconnect and see how you’ve been. I would love to catch up when you have some time. Looking forward to your update – no rush!”
Choosing the right platform
Choosing the right medium for your message is essential. Whether it’s a call, text or email will depend on the nature of your past relationship and what you’re comfortable with.
Crafting the reconnection
Reconnecting with someone after a long time can be daunting. But with the right choice of words, a dash of sincerity, and a sprinkle of patience, rekindling old connections can lead to delightful conversations and renewed relationships.
What if they don’t respond?
Patience is key. Give them time to respond. Remember: a delayed response doesn’t mean a lost connection.
Reaching out to someone you haven’t spoken to in a long time can seem trepidatious. But it’s a leap worth taking. After all, the walk down memory lane and potential for renewed connection is priceless.