Misunderstandings, misunderstandings, fights, and sometimes just “life incidents” can cause you to drift away from once dear friends, losing touch. Sad reflection can lead to a desire to renew friendships and rekindle old connections. If you really want to reconnect and reach out to those old friends, Dr Aarti Anand, senior consultant in psychiatry at Sir Gangaram Hospital, explained in an interview to HT how to reconnect with someone else’s friends.
First contact
Making first contact with a lost friend can be a difficult and embarrassing task, especially given how things were left behind. It is important to be clear about your intention to reconcile. Dr. Arti Anand elaborated, “If you’re thinking about reconnecting with an old friend, it’s important to think about why you want to reconnect. Is it because you miss them, want to rekindle the friendship, feel the need to apologize, or just want to catch up?”
When it comes to reconnecting, Dr. Anand provides guidance on how to approach the situation. It should be done wisely. She suggested, “Depending on how much time has passed, approach the situation with sensitivity. Start with a simple message or casual call to check in and see how they’re doing. You can bring up a good memory you both shared to break the ice and make the conversation more personal.’
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Answer
A myriad of possibilities can run through your mind as you wait for their reaction, with different scenarios playing out in your head. Dr. Anand said, “If they respond positively and are happy to hear from you, gradually move on to discussing their present life, reminiscing about the past. Respect their feelings and set clear boundaries to avoid embarrassment. Remember, your tone and approach should reflect genuine care and consideration.”
Also, a lot can change in your friend’s life over the years. Dr. Anand advised being patient, flexible, and accommodating to changes in your friend’s life, whether it’s a new friendship, relationship, or job. Although much can change, it is very important to approach the situation with respect and patience. Take time to warm up to each other slowly because it’s been a long time and things could be different. Start by learning about each other and what happened in their lives.
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