How to Rekindle a Friendship

Adult life can be hard. There are jobs to do and bills to pay. On top of that, it always seems like there’s never-ending laundry! When we get caught up with adulting, we can lose track of keeping up with friends.

But old friendships are a beautiful thing. They are a glimpse into your past and a treasure chest of memories. If you’ve lost touch with a dear friend, and you’re hoping to rekindle the friendship, luckily there are ways to light the friendship flame!

Take a look at these suggestions to help you and your old friend feel like besties once again.

Show interest

The first step is to show you’re interested and make contact. Drop your friend a message on their social media or give them a quick call. It doesn’t have to be a deep and meaningful conversation from the get-go, just a quick hello or check-in.

Here are a couple of introductory questions you could ask.

“Hey! How’s life?”
“It’s been too long! What have you been up to?”
“How’s the new career path? You were so excited about it the last time we spoke.”
“I passed by our old school and wondered how you were doing.”
“Wishing you a happy holiday! I’d love to catch up in the new year.”
“Miss your face!”
“Saw this and had to send it to you.”

Bonding over a shared memory is a brilliant way to rekindle a friendship. What’s better than looking back at happy times and laughing? A shared memory of a birthday, the old school days, or a hilarious event can be a great way to start a conversation with an old friend once again.

Address any past conflict

Honesty is the foundation of friendship. If there was conflict or a reason why the friendship fizzled out, it’s important to address it for a healthy relationship to grow. Keeping any discomfort or disappointed feelings bottled up can lead to tension. Open up and express it, so you can work out the issue together.

Stay in touch

Here are a couple of ideas of how you can keep in touch regularly to keep the friendship afloat. Starting a book club or scheduling a weekly/monthly call are just a few ways to stay in communication

These days, it seems there’s an app for everything. Keeping in touch with friends is no different. There are loads of apps that help you stay connected with friends and family. Check out our list of the 10 best apps to stay connected.

Get together in person

Leading such busy lives can make long-distance friendships difficult, but there are some ways to stay in touch with your besties. Check out these ideas that’ll not only help you to keep in touch, but also strengthen your long-distance friendship!

Make future plans

It’s important to set dates and stick to making future plans. It shows that you’re both willing to put in a little effort to keep the friendship afloat, and that you’re genuinely excited to see your friend again. You and your friend could even try something new together, like a new hobby.

Set a date, or attend a special occasion like a birthday or celebration. If you’re looking to make plans that are a little more low-key, here are a couple of fun plans you can make.

1. Take a trip down memory lane, literally.

You could revisit old places you used to go to, like a café where you’d always meet or your old college stomping ground.

2. Have a sleepover

Embrace the couch potato within and have a fun sleepover. You could wear pajamas, watch movies and eat your body weight in popcorn and candy.

3. Take a class together

Starting a new hobby together is a great way for you and your friend to have a common interest. It’s also a great bonding activity to try something new together, even if you suck at it. Maybe a yoga or a painting class or even a sky-diving course if you’re both adrenaline junkies!

4. Go out for dinner

The best memories are made around the dinner table. It may sound simple, but squeezing in some dinner plans is a good option for friends with tight schedules. Have a ~~bottle~~ glass of wine and order your favorite foods, because dinner is always better when it’s together.

5. Have a spa day

Who doesn’t love a spa day? Head to the spa and get your favorite treatment. If you’re on a budget, why not have a home spa day? You can put on face masks and do manicures and pedicures. After all, friendship shouldn’t cost a thing.