Just like romantic relationships, not all friendships last forever. Having a friendship end can be as heartbreaking as when a romantic relationship ends. Some friendships just die out gradually without you even noticing. Maybe you have changed, maybe they have changed, or maybe the circumstances have changed. Whichever the case, here are some ways that you can reach out to an old friend and fix your friendship!
1. Pretend you’re getting to know them for the first time.
If you’re not friends on social media like Facebook, Instagram or Snapchat, look them up and friend them! You have to make the first move; and trust me, this is a good chance for you to start getting to know each other again after a long time since your friendship ended. There’s a lot you can do to pretend like you are new friends with them. Make contact with a brief call or message, initiate to open up about your life or restart conversations over FaceTime or Skype. Continue to make time for your ‘new friends.’
2. Do something unexpected and kind
Once your relationship starts regain its light and amicable vibe again, it would be a good time to reaffirm to them what the friendship means to you. Give them small compliments, send them a message every once in awhile or interact with them on social media nicely. Just remember to do these on a level that you both feel comfortable with. Doing this will make them remember your good qualities; and one day, you will feel like an old friend again.
3. Don’t rush, but ease into it
Take it slowly — you can start with chit-chats. Maybe send them a sweet message and see what they are up to; but keep in mind, do not give them pressure to restart the friendship with you immediately. Definitely be thoughtful and give them the time to think about whether they want to be friends again or not. Be patient and let them process, and don’t take it personally if they are not into the thought of being friends with you again. It might just be poor timing or it might just be that they’re struggling with school or work. It’s probably more about them and not you.
Just remember that you can never hold on to all the friends that you have ever had in your life; and sometimes, it is just better to let past friendships go because they ended for a reason. But, if you both feel good about the idea becoming friends again, then yes! Set a date for the two of you, and get ready to see each other again!