When you receive a surprise DM from an old friend, it can be both exciting and intimidating at the same time. You might be wondering what to say, how to respond, and what tone to use. After all, it’s been a while since you last spoke, and you’re not sure where to pick up from.

The first thing to remember is to take a deep breath and relax. It’s okay to take a few minutes to gather your thoughts before responding. You don’t want to come across as overwhelmed or uninterested. Here are some strategies to help you handle the conversation effectively:

Acknowledge and Express Surprise

Start by acknowledging your friend’s message and expressing your surprise. This shows that you value their effort in reaching out and sets a positive tone for the conversation.

Hey! I had no idea you were thinking of me! How have you been?

I’m so surprised to hear from you! What made you think of me?

Wow, it’s been ages! How’s life been treating you?

Show Genuine Interest

Ask open-ended questions that encourage your friend to share their life updates, thoughts, and feelings. This shows that you’re genuinely interested in catching up and care about what’s been going on in their life.

What have you been up to all these years? Fill me in!

How’s the family/ job/ new hobby going?

What’s new and exciting in your life right now?

Share Your Own Updates

Don’t just ask questions; share your own life updates as well. This helps to create a sense of mutual interest and keeps the conversation flowing.

I’ve been keeping busy with work/school, but I just got back from an amazing trip. You should see the photos!

I’ve been meaning to reach out to you, actually. I just started a new project and I think you’d be interested.

I’ve been dealing with some personal stuff, but I’m doing okay now. Thanks for asking.

Find Common Ground

Look for common interests or experiences that can help you reconnect. This might be a shared hobby, a favorite TV show, or a memorable event from your past.

I heard about that new restaurant that just opened up downtown. Have you tried it?

I just got into this new podcast and I think you’d love it. Have you listened to it?

Remember that time we went to the concert together? I was just thinking about it the other day.

Keep it Light and Casual

Remember that you’re reconnecting with an old friend, not trying to solve world problems. Keep the tone light and casual, and avoid getting too deep or heavy too quickly.

Ha! I still remember that time we pulled an all-nighter during exams. Good times!

I’ve been meaning to ask, have you seen any good movies lately?

I’ve been trying to get into meditation. Do you have any tips?

Set the Stage for Further Conversation

As you’re wrapping up the initial conversation, make sure to set the stage for further conversation. This could be a plan to meet up, a promise to follow up, or a casual agreement to stay in touch.

We should totally grab coffee/lunch soon and catch up in person.

I’ll send you some photos from my trip and we can catch up soon.

Let’s make a plan to talk again soon. Maybe in a week or two?

In conclusion, responding to a surprise DM from an old friend requires a mix of acknowledgement, genuine interest, and casual conversation. By using these strategies, you can effectively rekindle your friendship and set the stage for a meaningful connection. Remember to relax, be yourself, and enjoy the process of reconnecting with someone from your past.

Be kind ❤