Friends turn strangers

Friends turn strangers (If & How to Reach Out)

It can be a challenging decision to reach out to someone who used to be your friend but has turned into a stranger.

Here are a few things to consider when deciding whether to reach out:

  1. The reason for the distance: Consider the reason for the distance between you and the other person. If it was due to a misunderstanding or a minor disagreement, it may be worth reaching out to see if you can resolve any issues and rebuild the relationship. If the distance was due to a more serious issue or betrayal, it may be more challenging to rebuild the relationship, and it may be best to consider other options.
  2. Your intentions: Consider your intentions for reaching out to the other person. Are you hoping to reconnect and rebuild the relationship, or are you motivated by other factors, such as a desire to vent or to seek closure? Understanding your own motivations can help you to determine whether reaching out is the right decision.
  3. The other person’s perspective: Consider the other person’s perspective and whether they may be open to reconnecting. If the distance between you was due to a misunderstanding or a minor disagreement, they may be more open to reconnecting. If the distance was due to a more serious issue or betrayal, they may not be interested in rebuilding the relationship.

How to Reach Out

Here are a few ideas for starting a new conversation with someone who has become a stranger:

  1. Acknowledge the distance: You could start the conversation by acknowledging the distance between you and explaining why you decided to reach out. This can help to set the tone for the conversation and to establish a sense of honesty and openness.
  2. Ask how they are doing: You could ask how the other person is doing and express an interest in their life. This can help to show that you care and to establish a sense of connection.
  3. Share something about yourself: You could share something about yourself, such as a recent accomplishment or experience, to give the other person an idea of what you have been up to and to encourage them to open up about themselves.
  4. Make plans: You could suggest making plans to meet up or to catch up in person or over a phone call. This can help to establish a sense of commitment and to build momentum for the relationship.

Conclusion

Overall, it is important to be honest with yourself about your motivations and to consider the other person’s perspective when deciding whether to reach out.

If you do decide to reach out, it is important to be respectful and to communicate openly and honestly about your intentions and any concerns or issues you may have.